6 November 2007

Soldiers at Linton Military Camp will have no excuses for not keeping in touch with friends and family now that wireless internet is going to be available in their barracks.

HQ 2 LFG has been working with Palmerston North Internet Service Provider Inspire Net to provide an affordable internet access solution. Colonel Lofty Hayward said he was aware many soldiers wanted to use the internet but the cost of having broadband access in their rooms was high. In addition to the broadband fees, those wanting access also had to pay to have a land line installed in their rooms and a monthly rental just to be connected to the internet. If a soldier subsequently moved rooms they were then liable for any Telecom costs associated with establishing a new connection.

“I was aware that Inspire Net currently provides Wi-Fi internet access for all of the Massey University halls of residence, as well as large parts of Palmerston North City. The Massey University Wi-Fi scheme is called Student City, and Inspire Net managing director James Watts suggested that Linton Camp be part of that scheme. The bottom line now is that thanks to Inspire Net, personnel in the barracks can have broadband internet access for as little as $20 per month. Contrast this with the normal installation fees together with a monthly telephone line rental charge before broadband charges are added and you can see that Wi-Fi users can save a reasonable amount of money each month.”

To access the Student City network, users buy an access card, and then simply top it up each month on-line or by pre-paid cards. Because the Student City network extends throughout Massey University and Palmerston North, personnel are not confined to Linton Camp for broadband access, a great bonus for those currently studying at the Massey campus.

Wi-Fi access is currently available in several of the Linton barracks, and Inspire Net plans to complete installation throughout the remaining barracks by the end of 2007. In addition, access will eventually be available in areas such as Hot Shots and the gymnasium. Cable and wireless internet will be installed in any new barracks, giving access without the need for a land line.

Col Hayward is full of praise for the Inspire Net team.

“These guys have been great to work with, and not only has the Student City rollout provided significant savings for the residents of the barracks, it has been cost neutral to Army as Inspire Net has provided the hardware at their expense. It is a win-win situation for Linton Camp.”

Inspire Net managing director James Watts says they installed Wi-Fi in three barracks initially and it has been a great success.

“It’s pre-pay so it’s a monthly fixed cost and cards will be available at Hot Shots. If they use their allowance they just slow down to modem speed. There is really good coverage in the CBD and airport and other places around town such as the Convention Centre and the arena.”

If anyone wants more information on the broadband plans they can check out the Student City website at www.studentcity. net.nz.

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