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
I know this seems like a cheap post to get some hottie image on the blog, but there is an actual purpose behind it. There's a lull in up-coming games launches for the next two months. That is, except in one area: 'top 10' lists of video game babes. Everyone's at it, it seems, from IGN to Stuff and even Playboy, which is preparing its specially commissioned 2008 list as we speak (no insider information on who's in it, by the way). Ayane (pictured left) from Tecmo's popular Xbox game Dead Or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball is one of those who regularly makes the list.