The NSW Government has partnered with Wagga Wagga-based company Zetifi to trial new wi-fi technology at Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool, providing visitors to the popular destination with free internet access.
Powered by solar energy, the wi-fi system uses satellite and cellular internet technology to keep people visiting the the Kosciuszko National Park site connected and able to call for help in an emergency.
In the past, mobile coverage at the site has been inhibited by natural features such as the steep Yarrangobilly River Valley and the towering Eucalyptus trees that surround the thermal pool.
The technology being trialled has been installed in an elevated location to leverage both satellite and cellular internet connections, transmitting internet via wi-fi to the thermal pool area. The wi-fi can easily be accessed by the public by scanning a QR code on the walk in.
The project was coordinated by the NSW Telco Authority and the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) as part of the NSW Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) program’s Connectivity Challenge.
The program aims to strengthen communication networks in regional and remote areas by supporting businesses to find solutions to connectivity challenges.
Find out more about the NSW SBIR program
Find out more about visiting the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool walk
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe said:
“This is a terrific example of a technological solution improving safety and visitor experience in a remote area of Kosciuszko National Park which is popular in both summer and winter.
“It will benefit not only visitors to the spring-fed natural pool, but also rangers and emergency services personnel when they’re working in the area.
“The NSW Government is committed to improving infrastructure in our national parks to ensure a wonderful experience for people getting out and about in nature.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
“This wi-fi trial helps visitors to the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool stay connected, which is important over the busy summer period when more people will be making the most of this picturesque destination.
“This technology could make all the difference in an emergency when a call for help needs to be made.
“As well as assisting thousands of visitors to the people expected to visit the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool over summer, the trial is boosting a regional business by enabling it to test and showcase its product.”
Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool wi-fi key data:
- Approximately 2,100 unique connections have been made since the free wi-fi trial began in December, an average of just over 40 connections per day.
- Peak usage has been during weekends seeing between 90-120 connections per day, compared to only 20-40 on weekdays.
- Since the trial began 400GB of data has been used, equating to almost 8GB of usage per day.