"What free wifi?" was the question on the lips of Takapuna workers and business-owners when asked about a new initiative to provide free internet in public places.
The North Shore has had 34 wifi access points installed courtesy of Telecom but many seem unaware of the service.
Staff at Burger King, a popular youth hangout, had not heard about the service and say they had not noticed customers using it, despite being located right next to an access point.
Starbucks staff were similarly unaware but say it does not affect them as the cafe already provided customers with wifi.
But some lucky residents are now benefiting from free internet at home.
Killarney St apartment-dweller Thomas Morton jokes that he "may as well get rid of Orcon now" as he is receiving up to 1G free per day from the hotspot just below his flat.
Vicky Gray, communications adviser for Telecom, says the company has not been "jumping on rooftops" to promote the hotspots as they are merely part of a trial to gauge whether customers are interested in such a service.
She says Telecom is largely relying on word of mouth, and says users are encouraged to give feedback through Facebook and Twitter.
Users are taken through a short online registration process, whereafter their device will connect automatically to the service.作者: CWF895 时间: 2013-7-11 14:02:40