Residents of the Canadian city of Calgary can now access free public Wi-Fi; however, there is a catch. Users will have to disclose their email and phone number, which the Wi-Fi provider will use to send marketing messages.
On Tuesday, May 13, Calgary-based telecommunications company Shaw Communications launched free public Wi-Fi service in select Calgary parks, swimming pools, golf courses and more.
In Jan. 2013, the City of Calgary issued a proposal to Wi-Fi operators to deliver Wi-Fi services at their own expense. In Dec. 2013, the City of Calgary awarded the contract to provide Wi-Fi services in select public locations to Shaw Communications.
"The City manages a variety of public spaces and we were looking to partner with an organization that would be able to provide reliable Wi-Fi services, at no cost to citizens, as well as meet industry regulations and provide technical support," said Heather Reed-Fenske, manager, Information Technology, in December 2013. "Our goal is to provide citizens with fast and reliable Wi-Fi, and give city departments the ability to enhance the customer experience at City facilities."
Even though the Wi-Fi service is free to access, users have to give their name, phone number, email and address to access the free service. According to the Calgary Herald, who tested the free Wi-Fi service, users will not be able to access the latest Wi-Fi service if they do not give their personal details.
"We simply followed a standard that's common in the industry," says Greg Pultz, vice-president of Shaw Wi-Fi. "Many, many services you sign up for (for) free, you acknowledge that in the terms and conditions."
Second Cup café, which is located near to the City Hall also provides free Wi-Fi to its customers and does not ask for personal details to use the service. Other businesses such as Tim Hortons, that has its food chains in various places in the city, asks users only for their name, email and postal code to access the free Wi-Fi service.
Devonian Gardens is one of the select public spaces where Shaw Communications will offer free Wi-Fi access after users agree to give their personal details. However, the food court at the Core Shopping Centre, which is near to Devonian Gardens, asks users for less personal data when compared to Shaw Communications. The city's airport also offers free Wi-Fi and does not ask for a user's phone number or address.
The City of Calgary in partnership with Shaw Communications plans to offer free Wi-Fi to more city public spaces. However, how many customers agree to release their personal details and get marketing ads from the provider to access free Wi-Fi service.
