Lawrence may have made technology history by being the first New Zealand town to offer free internet and international phone calls to visitors but those behind the move are now keen to see other towns in Clutha do the same.
Nina Arron and Frank Buddingh, who recently returned to New Zealand after living abroad, developed the free service with help from local businesses, technology companies and the wider Lawrence community.
Now, they hope their idea can be used elsewhere in Clutha and even further afield.
Since publicity on the scheme began in January, they and others have been approached by communities in Central Otago and the North Island about replicating what they did in Lawrence.
The couple have made no secret they want to encourage other towns to do the same as Lawrence and have provided a "how to do it" kit on the main Lawrence website page.
"We are thrilled with what has been done here and see no reason why it can't be repeated elsewhere," Ms Arron said.
Clutha District Council district development manager Julie Pearse said she would love to see the other towns in Clutha adopt the Lawrence model so the district could one day promote itself as the country's first free internet "hot spot".
"What they have done in Lawrence is absolutely fantastic and it would be so great to see it happen all over the district.
Internet ingredients
> Broadband provider
> Nano stations (with access to electricity)
> Website company (to provide splash page and a community website)
> Money for set-up costs (Lawrence estimate was $3000 plus $100 monthly charges)
> Promotional materials (signs, stickers)
> Optional - public computers for cafes for visitors without laptops
> The process:
Decide on the coverage area; identify possible blocks to coverage; identify nano station sites; fine-tune these details with internet provider; get permission from property owners to place nano stations; get quote for installation of stations plus ongoing charges; talk to website designers about the splash page; find the money; set stations in place; test reception; get splash page in place; promote the service.
