The City of Vancouver, in partnership with Shaw Communications Inc., has expanded free public Wi-Fi throughout the city, making #VanWiFi one of the largest free public-Wi-Fi networks in North America.

“Shaw’s expansion of #VanWiFi is a huge win for our residents and businesses, covering more than 500 locations in the downtown core and surrounding areas,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “People are more digitally connected than ever and good public Wi-Fi access enables locals and visitors to more easily connect and interact online and supports Vancouver’s tourism and economic success. This massive digital infrastructure expansion also bolsters Vancouver’s status as a leading Smart City."

In total, those who live, work or visit Vancouver will have access to free public Wi-Fi at over 600 locations throughout the city.

In 2014, the City implemented a procurement process to solicit applications from telecommunications service providers to provide free public Wi-Fi at no cost to the City. Shaw was one of the vendors selected as ‘Pre-Qualified’ to supply free public internet at identified, and future, locations in Vancouver.

After 42 locations were equipped with #VanWiFi in 2015, Shaw was chosen for the second phase in 2016 to provide VanWiFi at 15 locations, including all nine City-owned social housing sites and six outdoor sites, expanding the existing #VanWiFi network at no cost to the City.

Shaw Communications Inc.