Outback Queensland is about to become a lot more grey nomad friendly as a group of remote councils launch Australia’s largest free wi-fi network for travellers.
The first stage of the so-called Outback Telegraph has been switched on by Winton Shire Council, and six other councils will come online soon, covering a combined one fifth of the state.
The Queensland Government contributed $15,000 to jumpstart the pilot in Winton, and it is hoped the initiative will boost visitor numbers.
“It will be a magnet to people with mobile devices who are a long way from their family and friends and travelling around the countryside,” said Winton Mayor, Cr Butch Lenton. “Connectivity is essential to running businesses in rural Queensland … and for travellers.”
The Winton switch-on is a test before the entire system covering Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Shire Council, Blackall Tambo Regional Council, Boulia Shire Council, Diamantina Shire Council and Longreach Regional Council comes online with free wi-fi.
Queensland Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy, Leeanne Enoch, said providing free public Wi-Fi in the outback was a ground-breaking initiative.
“This is about driving opportunities and using the power of digital connectivity to tell the world about Outback Queensland,” she said. “Providing more opportunities to go online and do research on-the-go and share pictures and stories will be good for tourists and trade in small rural towns.”
Visitors will be able to connect to the network through the Outback Telegraph app, which will be available from Google and Apple. The mobile app can also interact with smart beacons placed around town, allowing the user to access additional information about local businesses, receive a coupon or special offer; and guide them on discovery walks.
Once people signed on to the wi-fi network, the councils would be able to collect basic data about them, which might enable local businesses to better tailor their services to visitors in the region.
• Comment below
Sounds like a great idea…of course, it’s Queensland initiative!
Many prefer to use a laptop rather than a portable device and many of the laptops use Windows 10 or Linux operating systems for which there doesn’t appear to be an app. Will this prevent those people from connecting to the network?
My laptop is win 10 and it has wifi as most do so would be able to connect using a supplied password.
Winton has always been one step ahead of the rest when it comes to being friendly.
Even during WW2 it embraced strangers into it’s community. A beautiful town, with wonderful services and an up to date modern hospital. Winton is the quintessential Aussie Outback experience that provides service rather than attempting to gouge every cent from their visitors. A credit to Queensland and indeed Australia.
Will be in Winton within the next week or two. Looking forward to giving the service a trial run. Hoping I will be able to get online with my laptop via hotspot on my android phone