Wireless Godalming: Get Switched On!

What is Wireless Godalming? It is a scheme providing free wireless internet access to part of Godalming town centre, enabling businesses, residents, visitors and students to have free access to the internet in the area. The scheme started in May 2008. 

The aim of the pilot was to provide wireless broadband in order to improve the convenience and flexibility of access to information for local people - for example smaller businesses without internet access, as well as local students, residents in town and visitors. In its first year over 800 people logged on each month and there has been much positive feedback from local businesses and visitors to the town.

The scheme makes a positive contribution to e-government, ensuring Waverley makes the best use of new technology to improve the services provided to local people.    As technology improves, the demand for wireless access is increasing and a number of larger towns and cities in the UK are already providing such schemes

A first for Godalming? Godalming is thought to be first market town to provide a wireless scheme in the town centre.  

Where will I be able to access it? The pilot zone covers an area from the railway station to the Council offices, including the Pepperpot, the main section of Godalming High Street, Bridge Street, The Burys and the Library  with a small transmitter at each of these key locations.  Locations outside this zone may be able to join the scheme by arranging for a transmitter to be placed on or near their premises.  However, the costs of any additions to the pilot area would need to be found.

How is it being funded?  A local company Nouveau sponsored the project by procuring the hardware and installing and maintaining the network for the first year. Alongside some funding from Waverley, the project has also secured an investment from the Connected Surrey scheme run by Surrey Economic Partnership, with finance from SEEDA. 

Who is the contractor? Gary Hudson (founder of  Milford based business 802UK) now MD of the wireless division of Nouveau Solutions Ltd.  The company has to date specialised in delivering wi-fi (wireless) technology to the education sector. The company supplied the consultancy and labour required for the installation of the pilot free of charge and has since been working in partnership with Waverley and Connected Surrey to deliver the proposal. 

Is it safe? Health Protection Agency advice is that there is no consistent evidence that exposure to the low power radio signals from wi-fi adversely affects the health of the population. Radio frequency exposure from wi-fi is likely to be lower than from mobile phones.

Is it safe and secure? The wireless networks installed and maintained use the most up-to-date security method. Security is also central in the design of a wireless network that uses multiple SSID's (network names) ensuring there is no possibility of data or voice traffic leaking from one network to another. The system uses a standard disclaimer as found on similar wireless access points, requiring any user to accept that they are responsible for any use of the system. Users are asked to check a box to confirm that they accept the conditions of the 'acceptable use policy' before they are allowed access. The policy includes requirements that users will not access the network for illegal purposes and breaches of the policy will be investigated.  

How do I log on? Choose the 'Free Wireless Godalming' network option and you will be automatically connected to the wireless splash page where you will be asked to read and tick the conditions of use. The log-in name 'wireless' and password 'godalming' are automatically entered for you.

 What speed is the network? This will depend on the number of users and level of activity at any one time. The bandwidth of the public system has been narrowed to optimise the number of users. The system is aimed at standard browsing facilities rather than high end downloads.

Action for Market Towns have recognised Wireless Godalming with an award for Best Business and Economy project in the South East.  The award scheme celebrates innovation and good practice and ideas which can be replicated in other market towns.

Waverley reserves the right to make changes to, or withdraw the Network at any time.

Page Updated: 18/05/2010 13:46