Advertising cash from new free Wi-Fi hotspots in Ottawa will be used to fund a number of big screens.
Bosses at IceNet Wireless, the firm behind the hotspots, say that a total of $315,000 will be made from the venture. This will be spent on the screens, which will be erected at a number of locations around the city, including City Hall. It is claimed that the main reason for these screens is to broadcast the Olympic Games.
Local authorities have teamed up with the firm on these measures. Talking about the hotspots, Mayor Jim Watson told metronews.ca: “We are playing catch-up, but I think this announcement brings us to the lead of the pack because this is an arrangement that doesn’t cost taxpayers money.”
Tim Tierney, councillor and chair of the information technology sub-committee, said that residents in the area will be “finally given the connectivity they deserve”, according to ottwasun.com.
As well as City Hall, Wi-Fi hotspots will also include the Kanata Leisure Centre, the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex in Orleans and the ByWard Market Building.
IceNet Wireless will be handling these hotspots for the next five years. When the contract is up, another Request for Proposal (RFP) will be submitted by the local authority.
