Cairns Regional Council has taken the first steps in implementing a Melbourne Business School recommendation with a Community Wi-Fi project that will provide free internet access for mobile technology devices.

However, the project will service Cairns Esplanade, not Macrossan Street Port Douglas as suggested by the MBS.  

In order to ascertain the need and success of the project, Council will conduct a nine-month ‘pilot’ within the primary tourism precinct of Cairns. The trial will start in April, 2013.

Coverage will be along Cairns Esplanade from approximately Aplin Street to Shields Street up along Pier Point Road, then back along the waterfront to Aplin Street.

During the trial Council will collect usage information to assess the level of service required, and will also consult with businesses and users to assess the benefits or otherwise of the service.

The Melbourne Business School predicted an annual outlay of around $19,000 would generate $250,000 income per year for Macrossan Street businesses should free Wi-Fi be introduced.

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