mmg.com.au

Following two years of preparation, Rochester residents now have access to high-speed wireless internet.

‘Rochy Wi-Fi’ was launched last week following months of testing to ensure a clear signal was being received.

The signal will transmit Wi-Fi to the central business district— between Gillies and Mackay streets — but may be expanded as far as the Rochester Caravan Park in the near future.

Andersons’ Electrical is hosting the server and Damien McInnes is the network designer involved in getting the project off the ground.

He said the internet was geared towards backpackers, business people staying at district hotels and anyone with a laptop that wished to go online.

At the moment anyone in range can log on to the internet called ‘Rochy Wi-Fi’ and view district websites for free, while internet users would need a password to access other web pages.

‘‘We are satisfied that we are bringing new technology into Rochester,’’ Mr McInnes said.

He said the aim was to get businesses involved in promoting themselves through the new service.

‘‘Profit is not the first focus,’’ Mr McInnes said.

‘‘It’s about providing a service to the local community.’’

Andersons’ Electrical owner Peter Anderson said because retailers were having a tough time, they needed to look at what people wanted and provide them with that service.

People who wish to use the Rochy Wi-Fi for their personal use can buy passwords from Andersons’ Electrical and the town’s hotels.

Rochester Backpackers is expected to also supply them in the near future.

Rochester Chamber of Commerce president Leigh Wilson said the new technology was ‘‘really good’’ for the town and was in the process of looking at what the end advantage was for businesses.

He said it would become a great advertising tool for local businesses, especially when targeting Rochester’s transient visitors.

‘‘It’s an easy first step for businesses to go online to promote things,’’ he said.