The Edo State Government has said its newly launched free Wi-Fi service across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other public places in the State will accommodate nearly 1000 users simultaneously from each location, and cover an extensive range of 200 meters and 180 degrees from the point of presence.

The government had at the weekend introduced the 24-hour free Wi-Fi service to ensure unlimited internet access to workers in the wake of the three-day weekly work schedule for civil and public servants as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Following the directive, workers in the State are expected to work thrice a week at the office and two days from their homes, leveraging the e-governance platform to ensure productivity and optimal service delivery to Edo people.

The points of presence for the free Wi-Fi service include the School of Nursing, Limit Road/ Sapele Road; Pensions Bureau, Ring Road Roundabout; Victor Uwaifo Centre, Airport Road; Civil Service Commission, Sapele Road, and the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Central area Road/Igbinedion Road.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the Managing Director, Edo State Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), Goodluck Igbinedion, said the initiative is in its first phase and will be expanded to other local councils across the State. 

He said the free Wi-Fi service will guarantee free internet access to workers and others who need internet connectivity to perform their duties and reside in proximity to the designated locations covered by the Wi-Fi service.

According to him, “To connect, move within 200 metres of any of the listed locations and scan the Wi-Fi network on your device. Click on the network: Edo State Government Free Wi-Fi to connect. No password is required. Each of the listed sites provides approximately 24-hour connectivity and can accommodate up to 800 users simultaneously.”

Speaking on steps by the agency to offer technical support to users experiencing difficulties with using the free Wi-Fi, the Managing Director said,” Even though we expect little or no technical hitches as the Wi-Fi service is seamless, we have a technical support team of the Edo ICTA who are readily available for support services. We are in contact with the Edo Command and Control Centre and will make available a toll-free number that users could use in reaching the agency for assistance.”