By Jody O'Callaghan
Surf's up - and not just on the ocean waves.
A new wireless internet hotspot at the Mount's artificial surf reef now enables people to surf the internet in between riding the waves.
The hotspot, located around Tay St and Marine Parade, gives people the ability to access the internet
while visiting the beach.
Mount Reef executive officer David Neilson said the concept was new this year and inevitable with the advances in the fast-moving technological world. "I thought it would be a great idea to do it. People are getting used to having internet connection everywhere they go so it made sense."
Once the reef was complete, surf competitions could be screened via the internet thanks to the technology.
People can surf the internet, email photos they may have taken at the beach, continue to run business errands and even make toll calls.
Mr Neilson said the hotspot would offer the public easy access to the internet from the beach without needing a private household connection. No extra software would be needed, although people would need wireless capability on their laptops to connect.
Options would show up on the laptop screen, guiding the user through the process.
3Bay of Plenty web-server NetSmart, which provides internet connection hotspots throughout many public camping and marina sites, was behind the reef site hotspot.
Technical director Shaun May said the concept was becoming increasingly common. A wireless hotspot was easily set up as long as there was an appropriate signal available. The company already has one hotspot at the Mount Maunganui Surf Club.
"Hotspots tend to be increasing in popularity."
Connection to the service from the beach will cost the public $8.90 per hour, which is paid for by credit card. With a normal laptop the wireless range is 100-200m.
Mr May said private homes along Tay St may even be inside the hotspot, giving them the opportunity to sign up to the connection.
The reef should be finished in the middle or toward the end of next week, depending on the weather, and will create a significant difference in the waves on offer.
