Brampton Public Wireless

Residents and visitors to Brampton will enjoy free open internet access inside most City community centres and corporate buildings. This is a change from the current service that requires users to apply for a temporary guest account and password to access the internet.

The enhanced service will allow users to connect to the Brampton Public Wireless network with their laptop or other mobile device, after they agree to the service’s terms of use. Access to the internet will be filtered to protect the security of the service. There will be no time or data limits, however usage may be monitored.

What is a Wireless/Wi-Fi Network?
A wireless network allows customers to connect their laptops or other mobile devices to the Internet without having to plug into a network port.
What can I use wireless Internet for?
The wireless connection at a Brampton facility will allow you to access the Internet. The City uses reasonable efforts to reduce access to criminal, obscene or hate material on the Internet by providing a filtered wireless network.
What do I need to use wireless at a City facility?
- You will need a Wi-Fi-compliant wireless laptop or device.
- Most Wi-Fi equipment will be compatible but the City cannot guarantee the compatibility of your equipment with the wireless network.
- You will need a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Chrome.
- Set your TCP/IP properties to 'Obtain an IP address automatically'.
- It is highly recommended you have a fully charged battery in your laptop.
How do I connect to the wireless network?
Every wireless card is different but here are some general instructions:
- Open your wireless connection software or tool. In your software you will be able to scan for any wireless networks.
- Your software should present you with all the wireless connections in the building, which in this case will be called "Brampton Public Wireless".
- Choose 'activate' or 'connect', depending on the manufacturer of your wireless card. Now you are associated with the wireless network - associated is the wireless term for connected.
- Open a web browser and you will see a City of Brampton web page with a link to the "Terms and Conditions of Use" for Brampton Public Wireless.
- Read the terms and conditions and follow the instructions on the site. Once you have accepted you will be connected to Brampton Public Wireless.
My built-in Wireless Network Card will not work. How do I enable it?
Please refer to your device’s manual on how to enable your Wireless (Wi-Fi) radio
Will City employees help me configure my computer?
No, City employees are not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee is given that you will be able to make a wireless connection. City employees cannot accept any liability for handling your equipment.
Is the City's wireless network encrypted?
No, the wireless network is not encrypted. Information sent from or to your laptop could be captured by someone else using a wireless device and the appropriate software.
The City assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, files, information or data stored on your device. Please refer to the “Wireless Brampton Terms and Conditions of Use” for more information.
How can I protect my device from viruses and spyware?
All clients who connect to the wireless network must take responsibility for virus/spyware protection of their own equipment. It is recommended that customers install antivirus software and anti-spyware software on your device (If available). You should also ensure that your virus/spyware definitions are always up to date.
What can I do to avoid viruses and spyware?
- Don’t go to unknown / untrusted sites
- Use a Phishing filter with your browser
- Do not open e-mails from unknown contacts
- Beware of suspicious e-mails from contacts you do know, their account may have been compromised
- Do not click on suspicious links
- Scan files you download for viruses/spyware
- Keep your antivirus and security software up-to-date
What could happen if I have a virus?
Your files/data could be stolen, lost or compromised in some way. Virus protection is the responsibility of each client. If a client's laptop is attempting to infect other equipment with a virus, the client’s access to the wireless network will be removed.
Will I be able to print?
No, there are no printers connected to the wireless network.
Does the City provide laptops for customers to use?
No, the City does not provide laptops for customers; they must bring their own.
I have an Apple device. Can I use it on the wireless network?
Yes.
Can I use my older model mobile device?
Yes, if you are using an older model mobile device with a keyboard, when the terms and conditions page appears, use your spacebar to scroll through the text until you reach the ‘accept’ button.
Here are some tips to help you use the Wireless Network:
- Set up your wireless card according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Make sure to set your TCP/IP properties to 'Obtain an IP address automatically' (DHCP).
- If requested, choose Infrastructure mode rather than ad-hoc mode.
- Turn encryption (WEP) off.
- Make sure you are using the SSID name "Brampton Public Wireless", which is case-sensitive.
- Make sure all anti-virus and anti-spyware software are current and definitions are up-to-date.
- Use firewall software and make sure your operating system has the latest security patches.
- Arrive with a charged battery and be prepared to be self-powered.
- Headphones are required for audio to avoid disturbing other customers.
Will I be disconnected when moving to another location in the building?
Minimizing your movement is recommended; however, overlapping coverage in the building is provided by a number of access points that are configured to allow for movement without loss of the connection. Please note that some areas may experience lack of coverage based on location.
Can I use a fixed IP address on the Wireless network?
No, you cannot because the IP addresses are allocated dynamically by the server.
Can I use peer to peer applications on the Wireless Network?
Peer to Peer programs such as Bittorrents, LimeWire, Kaza and Skype will not work on the wireless network.
Can I use MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, or ICQ on the Wireless Network?
Yes. MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and ICQ will work on the wireless network.
What locations will Public Wi-Fi be available?
- 8 Nelson St.
- 55 Queen St. E.
- 129 Glidden Rd.
- Balmoral Recreation Centre
- Brampton Animal Shelter
- Brampton City Hall
- Brampton Curling Club
- Brampton Soccer Centre
- By-Law Enforcement and Licensing Office
- Cassie Campbell Community Centre
- Central Public School
- Century Gardens Recreation Centre
- Chinguacousy Park - Indoor Facilities
- Chinguacousy Wellness Centre
- Chris Gibson Recreation Centre
- Civic Centre
- Earnscliffe Recreation Centre
- Ebenezer Community Hall
- Ellen Mitchell Recreation Centre
- Flower City Community Campus Building 1,2,D & E
- Flower City Senior Centre & Lawn Bowling
- Greenbriar Recreation Centre
- Howden Recreation Centre
- Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre
- Ken Giles Gymnastics Centre
- Knightsbridge Senior Centre
- Loafers Lake Recreation Centre
- Memorial Arena
- Peel Village Golf Course
- Professor’s Lake Recreation Centre
- Provincial Offenses Office - 5 Ray Lawson Blvd.
- Rose Theatre Brampton
- Rose Theatre Garden Square - Outdoor
- South Fletchers Sportsplex
- Teramoto Park
- Terry Miller Recreation Centre
- Transit Terminal – Bramalea
- Transit Terminal – Brampton Gateway
- Transit Terminal - Trinity Common
- Transit Terminal - Downtown
- Victoria Park Arena

Click here to view the Brampton Public Wireless Terms and Conditions.