City council has had a change of heart when it comes to offering public access WiFi at city arenas.
Council decided Monday to reverse a decision made in December and move forward with the installation.
Parks and Recreation Director Rob Harwood told council the service is needed.
"The data that's available on people's phones doesn't always work in these large, steel structure facilities," said Harwood. "The actual nature of the sports organizations now, they have to have real-time reporting that takes place to report to the leagues and tournaments that take place have to have real-time reporting as well."
He said special events and tournaments have made WiFi a requirement in their contracts, coaches stream video to help train players, and internet connection is often needed for presentations in community rooms.
The systems being installed will be capable of servicing 5,000 people at Progressive Auto Sales Arena, 3,000 at Sarnia Arena and 1,500 at Clearwater Arena.
Installation and five years of service will now cost $76,000.
Council rejected a $68,000 tender from Bluewater Regional Networks in December for installation and five years of service at the city's three rinks.
