Lightwire - Student Internet

General Info

Announcement: More internet for students
Student internet access
How do I get online?
Why Lightwire?
How do I use Lightwire on a University computer?
How do I use Lightwire on my laptop or other personal device?
Why is Internet access no longer purchased using the student ID Card?
Where can I use Lightwire?
What devices can I use?
Who do I contact for support if there is a problem with accessing the Internet?
Are all students entitled to the 1.5GB of University allocated data each month?
What happens to unused data each month?
What happens when I run out of data?
How do I check my current balance?

Announcement: More internet for students

From Tuesday 7 February 2012, the University is increasing students' internet allowances and decreasing the cost of additional data.

Free student internet allowances will go from 1GB per month to 1.5GB per month. The cost of additional internet usage will be reduced from $12/GB to $5/GB, and students will now have 90 days to use these top ups, increased from 30 days.

Important: Access to University websites remains free, but Google and its other sites (including Gmail and YouTube) will no longer be free of charge - this is due to bandwith constraints on the University's research network, KAREN.

You can still visit these sites, but their access will draw from your allowance and additional top ups. The increase in the free internet allowance should ensure that students aren't financially disadvantaged by this change.

If you have credit on your Lightwire account when these changes come into effect, the money will remain on your account and you will go to the new rate of $5 per GB, or, if you are currently on a better plan, you'll remain on their existing plan until it expires - you get the better deal.

If you have any questions, contact the ITS helpdesk - email help@waikato.ac.nz or phone 07 838 4008.

Student internet access

Access to the Internet for all students is via Lightwire. Quick info guide for Lightwire on Campus. Whether you access the Internet in the University computer labs, in the Halls of Residence, or via the campus wireless network you will require a Lightwire account in order to do so.

As part of your enrolment (see details below) as a University of Waikato student, you will receive an allowance of 1.5GB of Internet data per month.  This data can be used for internet on campus, both in computer labs and on personal devices such as your laptop or smartphone.   It can also be accessed around the Hamilton CBD.  If you need to use more than 1.5GB of data, this can be purchased from the University’s student internet provider Lightwire, either online or from several locations around campus.

How do I get online?

To access the Internet, you will need a Lightwire account.  To sign-up, visit www.lightwire.co.nz and follow the instructions.  Make sure you follow the steps to associate your University of Waikato student username with your Lightwire account name to enable your automatic 1.5GB monthly allowance.

Why Lightwire?

Lightwire will be the student Internet service provider across campus, simplifying the way you are able to get online.  Lightwire will provide free access to University web pages and a number of other important resources, and their pricing will be reviewed regularly by the University.

How do I use Lightwire on a University computer?

You login to the University computer using your University provided username and your password. The University computer will be automatically configured to use Lightwire for student Internet. The first time you access the Internet during your session on the computer you will be asked for your Lightwire account details.

How do I use Lightwire on my laptop or other personal device?

Lightwire is typically available through the "lightwire" wireless network. Follow your device manufacturer’s instructions on how to connect to wireless networks. Lightwire is available in some locations via an Ethernet cable. In these areas just plug your device into the Ethernet cable. Once connected to the network just open a web browser and connect to www.lightwire.co.nz and follow the instructions provided.

Why is Internet access no longer purchased using the student ID Card?

By establishing Lightwire as the sole campus internet provider, students can use their monthly 1.5GB of University allocated data, plus any additional data purchased, to go online in computer labs, on wireless devices around campus and in the Halls of Residence.  In the past students have used Lightwire in the Halls of Residence, and put money (UniCash) on their ID Card to access the internet elsewhere.

Student ID Cards will still be used for printing and photocopying.  For more information on the ID Card visit http://help.waikato.ac.nz/student_info/student_unicash.shtml.

Where can I use Lightwire?

Lightwire should be available throughout the majority of the University campus in any computer lab and also via wireless. Lightwire access is available in all rooms of the Halls of Residence; consult your hall office for more details. There is also Lightwire coverage at certain locations around Hamilton City.

What devices can I use?

Any device with a WiFi adaptor and a web browser should be able to use Lightwire. The Lightwire support desk supports primarily Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 devices, but is happy to assist where possible with any other devices.

Who do I contact for support if there is a problem with accessing the Internet?

Lightwire will be the first point of contact for all Internet-related problems – whether using your own device or using a University lab computer. You can contact them at support@lightwire.co.nz or on 0800 12 13 14.  The University will continue to support all other issues relating to in-lab computer problems.

Are all students entitled to the 1.5GB of University allocated data each month?

Students in non-assessed papers and students in some short-courses (eg Continuing Education papers, STAR papers, etc) will not be entitled to the 1.5GB of data.

What happens to unused data each month?

Your 1.5GB of data lasts for up to a month, any unused data expires at the end of the month just as your next months’ 1.5GB of data is automatically added.   Additional top-ups you purchase from Lightwire will remain on your account for up to 1 year from the last time you purchased a top-up.

What happens when I run out of data?

You can purchase additional data from Lightwire directly, either from one of the retailers around campus or online using a credit card. Visit the http://www.lightwire.co.nz for a list of resellers or instructions for online top-ups.

How do I check my current balance?

You can check the current balance of your 1.5GB allocation and any top up data you have purchased at https://www.lightwire.co.nz/manage/myaccount/my_account.php