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Latest Local and Venue News
1 October 2009
WiFi Plan to Connect Town Centre with Net
THE first stage of a plan to link public places and buses in Torquay town centre and harbourside to the world wide web is due to take place on Tuesday.
The plan to bring a wireless computer connection to the town is the brainchild of Lucy Ball, chief executive of Torbay Town Centres Company.
Once fully up and running internet surfers will be able to log on to a public wi-fi (wireless internet connection) system, so they can read their emails, check out websites, look for information and even play games while sat on the waterfront.
Users can register and log on to some free sites, or pay a nominal 99p an hour for full access to the internet.
The first phase is the fitting of a mobile system to the X84 Stagecoach bus service, a 50-seater, running between Dawlish and South Devon College, Paignton.
Ms Ball said: "It has taken such a long time to deliver but it is great news that the project is getting off the ground now."
The passengers will have access to free websites: including the college, Herald Express, Torbay Development Agency, English Riviera Tourist Board, the BBC and a sixth which has yet to be decided.
She added: "This type of service increases passenger use as students find they would rather go on the bus than the car, when they can access the internet.
"As they can log on to the college website they can do assignments and communicate with friends and it is a good service for them."
The X84 trial forms part of Torbay's overall wi-fi project, delivering 'internet for all' to local residents.
Michelle Hargreaves, chief of Stagecoach South West, said "As both a local resident and a frequent mobile internet user, it's fantastic to be a part of such an innovative and exciting trial."
Stephen Criddle, principal of South Devon College, said: "We are always pleased to be at the leading edge and promoting innovation. This is a great new initiative."
The next stage will be the installation of the Torquay town centre wi-fi service so that any visitor or business person can log on from a laptop computer without being in an office.
Lucy Ball said: "People like to feel they are in communication with the rest of the world. It is a comfort thing, and children like to log on to play computer games. That is what it is all about."
The service will cost 99p an hour, apart from the free sites, with a cut going to the Town Centres Company.
Courtesy Herald Express
1 October 2009
