Wi-Fi Project Servicing 16% of QLD launched in Outback QLD

In a Queensland first, a free, connected Wi-Fi service over more than 300,000 square kilometres has been launched in central western Queensland.

Outback Wi-Fi is now live across five towns in the Diamantina, Boulia, Winton and Barcaldine local government areas with Longreach’s switch on only days away.

“Outback Wi-Fi is a first for Queensland, connecting our visitors across each of our council regions to enable them to better plan their time with us and to open new opportunities for our own communities and business,” CEO of RAPAD David Arnold said.

The single sign on service is providing reliable, high speed connectivity to locals and visitors from access point to access points in towns and regions.

The operation of Outback Wi-Fi is centrally managed by RAPAD’s Outback Digital arm to ensure consistent service and optimum outcomes.

“Our role is to support the digital enablement of our region and Outback Wi-Fi is a milestone in this journey that we are extremely proud of,” David Arnold said.

The service provides free Wi-Fi for locals and visitors across the towns without needing to keep signing in at each new location, meaning its less hassle to use and easier to connect with friends and family, do business on the road or keep planning their travel through the region.

“The value for us is not only to provide visitors with a world of options of how to get the most from their stay but also for our local businesses and community to connect with these visitors to make sure they have the best possible experience with us,” said Winton Mayor Gavin Baskett.

The Wi-Fi network also allows the RAPAD region to capture valuable data about who is using the service, where they log on and how they travel through the region which provides priceless insights for local tourism operators and businesses.