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Need help connecting?Secure access to guest Wi-Fi for everyone; the City of Rotterdam shows that it’s possible
Digital literacy is a priority for the City of Rotterdam. Access to the internet is essential to this effort. Rotterdam is demonstrating that it is possible to provide all residents with free and secure internet access at hundreds of locations throughout the city.
Improving the digital literacy of Rotterdam residents is a top priority for the city. Access to the internet is essential to this effort. That is why the city is working with partners such as the Port Authority, Rotterdam Library, and social service organizations to create a network of free, secure, and interconnected Wi-Fi hotspots.
Fully participating in the digital society
To fully participate in the digital society, you need three things: (1) a device, (2) strong digital skills, and (3) a secure Wi-Fi connection. To meet that last requirement, Rotterdam is focusing on providing secure Wi-Fi access through Publicroam.
Yvon Koomen is the digital skills project manager for the City of Rotterdam. She explains: “Publicroam is secure and user-friendly. That’s why we, as a city, are encouraging other organizations to join. This way, the network keeps growing. Soon, every resident of Rotterdam will have Publicroam nearby.”
Securely connected in the Port of Rotterdam
Rotterdam and the port are inseparable. So it’s no surprise that Publicroam is available here as well. Gert-Jan de Vries of the Port Authority explains: “We welcome many national and international visitors to our office and at Portlantis and Port Pavilion. That’s why we wanted to provide reliable and secure Wi-Fi access. We quickly settled on Publicroam.’
“Another advantage is that this is a nationwide network. If you have the Publicroam app and walk into a town hall, library, or theater, you’re immediately connected to secure Wi-Fi. We see that ease of use and reliability as a major plus.”
Facts:
- There are over 300 locations in Rotterdam where visitors automatically connect to Publicroam. This number continues to grow.
- Portlantis welcomes approximately 150,000 visitors annually and also makes Publicroam available on the bus and the sightseeing boat.
Sign up once at the library
Myrthe Rensen is the Digital Program Manager at the Rotterdam Library (23 branches). Thanks to the Digital Inclusion program, Publicroam has been implemented at the various branches. She explains: “You only need to sign up once, and then you’ll automatically log in at locations with Publicroam. For some users, signing up is a minor hurdle, but we’re well-equipped to provide support.”
“As more and more organizations join the initiative, an ever-expanding network of secure Wi-Fi is being created throughout the city. And that is essential for providing digital assistance to the people of Rotterdam. We are striving to play a role in this by bringing supply and demand together.”
“Free, secure, and easy”
“If people are unsure about using Publicroam, I have just one piece of advice: go for it! It’s free. It’s secure. And it’s easy. I think it’s great that it’s becoming available in more and more places, because secure internet access is important.” – Harold Gemert (71), Rotterdam resident
“We’re making the city digitally accessible to everyone”
Nowadays, internet access is just as important as access to transportation, sports facilities, or public services. With Publicroam, we’re ensuring that residents of Rotterdam can go online securely and easily in more and more places. This is how we’re making the city digitally accessible to everyone.
— Alderman Achbar, Welfare, Community Life, Sports, and Digital Inclusion
About Publicroam
Publicroam is a Dutch initiative that securely and automatically connects visitors to public locations with Wi-Fi networks. Users sign up for free once and then connect automatically at all participating locations—from municipalities, libraries, and museums to schools, ports, and cultural institutions. Over 570,000+ people are already using the network.
Contact
Please contact us for more information.