Docklands wi-fi: a rip-off

Here's a development that seems to hark back to the bad old days worst of the current wi-fi overcharging. The Dublin Dockland Development Authority has been telling the media for the last two years that it would be rolling out "free" wi-fi. Now it has done so -- and limited it to 10 commercial websites.

Anyone wanting access to normal websites, like Google, will have to pay the astonishing sum of €70 per week (or €20 per day or €6 per hour). Sorry, DDDA, but this is a complete rip-off.

For the record, here is the press release:

The Docklands Authority has today (June 26 2008) launched a Wi-Fi network for the area providing mobile high-speed broadband access for anyone working, living or visiting the Docklands.

Developed in conjunction with 3PlayPlus, the service, called DockNet, will transform Dublin’s Docklands into a giant Wi-Fi broadband hotspot and is the first of its kind in Dublin.

DockNet will provide high-speed broadband to Dublin’s Docklands via wireless technology enabling thousands of residents, business owners and visitors to experience a rich Internet experience without being tied to their desk.

Users of the service will be able to access ten websites for free. These websites include dublindocklands.ie, sports.ie, phantom.ie, and dublinbus.ie. Users accessing websites outside the ten free sites will be charged at rates starting at €6 for one hour.

The first phase of the service covering the Grand Canal Dock area went live today with Wi-Fi being rolled-out in other areas of the Docklands over the coming months. It is anticipated that the entire Docklands area will have Wi-Fi coverage by mid-2009.

Donal O’Connor, Chairman, Docklands Authority, said, "The Authority believes that the delivery of Wi-Fi for the Docklands is an important investment in the infrastructure required to enable the area’s continued regeneration. Broadband Internet access is now vital to the economic and social development of any community and we are delighted to be able to provide anyone living, working or visiting the Docklands with the opportunity to utilise Wi-Fi."

Commenting on the new service, David Higgins, Director of Finance of the Docklands Authority, said, "Securing the provision of broadband communications in the Docklands will put the area at an advantage as it will facilitate new ways of working, opportunities for education, training, and new home and leisure activities. Wi-Fi has become a necessary service and we are delighted to be the first area network established in Dublin."

Terry Crowley, Managing Director, 3PlayPlus, said, "3PlayPlus is delighted to work with the Docklands Authority on this project, bringing our experience in broadband and multimedia service provision to the Docklands.
We look forward to delivering broadband to the area and empowering the region with world-class Internet service."

DockNet will be one of the largest wireless hotspots of its kind in Ireland.  DockNet will have the capacity to fully support advanced digital services such as VoIP, Broadcast TV, CCTV security and video applications, enriching the digital experience throughout the whole area and delivering broadband connection speeds.

Fixed Wireless Access is among the fastest-growing Broadband access platforms and according to ComReg’s annual report, April 2008, it is presently realising a 56% year-on-year growth. Fixed Wireless Access is a proven technology and capable of delivering faster speeds than traditional copper-cable based systems.

The ten websites that can be accessed for free via DockNet are:
www.dublindocklands.ie
www.sports.ie
www.welfare.ie
www.met.ie
www.chq.ie
www.ifsc.ie
www.dublinbus.ie
www.itsyourmoney.ie
www.dubsimon.ie
www.phantom.ie

The schedule of rates for accessing websites outside of the ten free sites are (as of 23 June 2008):
1 hour - €6
4 hours - €10
24 hours - €20
7 days - €60

Comments

i think this is extremely reasonable seen as wifi is €5.95 for 50 mins in Munchies!

Ha! ridiculous prices. Just get a 3G card - 20 Euros for a month of access. I'm pretty sure you will get coverage in the docklands.

Its €10 per hour in Bewleys hotels and €15 in the airport so i think its great that the DDDA can supply the same service for €6 per hour!

I see we have someone from DDDA / 3PayPlus on the comments ...

While we still have people willing to pay those ridiculous rates, then these services will survive ... As one poster says - get a broadband dongle and surf for €20-30 per month. Simple.

I really don't understand how these people can justify these charges in this day and age...

[Paul Browne - People and Technology]

I'd agree with the previous comment about 'Just get a 3G card'.

It really brings the business model of 'pay-as-you-go-wifi' into question - even if the wifi was cheaper , why would you bother getting the piece of paper with the login details just to get internet access? The 3G is just turn on and go ...

Something similar happened in the UK in the 80's when mobile phones came out - a cheap service (called rabbit) allowed you to make calls but only within 100m of a base station (bit like wifi).

There's a reason why everybody now uses Mobile and not 'Rabbit' phones ...

[Branedy]

Beyond believable, a recipe for failure. What a waste of infrastructure, and a demonstration of empty headed marketing.

I presume the Docklands Authority is not paying out any money for this sham? I'd have no problem with it if 3payplus want to foot the bill and find out later that we are not all a crowd of muppets willing to pay prices like that!