Exceeding data limits may be a thing of the past once free public Wi-Fi launches in Vancouver.
Earlier this year, the city of Vancouver passed a motion to implement free city-wide Wi-Fi as apart of their Digital Strategy initiated in April 2013.
The city has now granted Telus a five-year contract to serve 43 locations across Vancouver with free public Wi-Fi. Among the locations are civic facilities and nearly all community centres throughout the city. According to the city of Vancouver, the new free service could roll out as early as this summer.
First 43 public locations to offer free Wi-Fi in Vancouver:
Community centres (27 locations)
Civic facilities (4 locations)
- Vancouver Aquatics Centre
- VanDusen Botanical Gardens visitors centre
- Kerrisdale Arena
- Bloedel Conservatory
Civic outdoor pools (4 locations)
- New Brighton Park Pool
- Maple Grove Park Pool
- Kitsilano Pool
- Second Beach Pool & Park
Civic theatres and cultural centres — 3 locations
- Orpheum Theatre
- Playhouse Theatre
- Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Public golf courses (3 locations)
- Fraserview Golf Course clubhouse
- Langara Golf Club clubhouse
- McCleery Golf Course clubhouse
Civic marinas (2 locations)
- Burrard Marina
- Heather Marina
Granville Street along with Canada Place were also originally on the list of locations to receive free Wi-Fi, but have been ruled out due to technical issues.
It’s also important to note that the free public Wi-Fi will only be accessible near buildings where Telus has installed its equipment. This means that the Wi-Fi connection will be strongest while your mobile device is near the building, and weaker the further you are.
Shaw was also a candidate to be the city’s free Wi-Fi provider, but lost the bid to Telus. However, Shaw has won the bid to provide free wi-fi throughout 40 public locations in Surrey.
