Student Info

Connecting to the Internet at Polytechnic is Easy with Lightwire

• Open Internet Explorer using a Bay of Plenty Polytechnic computer, or connect your wireless device to a Lightwire hotspot
• At the prompt, log in using your Bay of Plenty Polytechnic user name, for example: smithm5@ boppoly.ac.nz and your Bay of Plenty Polytechnic network password. Note: User name and password should be entered in lower case.

FAQs

1) Where can I access the internet at BOPPOLY? 

Wireless hotspots have been installed in the following areas so far:

• All of Eastern Campus (Maharaia through to Aquatic & Fitness Centre)
• A Block (Library, Cafe X, Ako Awe, etc)
• B Block (Administration)
• N Block (Graphics Suites)
• Blocks D and E (Mechanical and Carpentry)
• Some areas in the main H Block
• R Block (Rex Williams Centre)
• Bongard 1st and 5th floors

Have a look at the Lightwire coverage map (pdf 278kb).  By the start of Semester 1 2012 we hope to have Campus Wide coverage. Details of new areas covered will be communicated via the Hum.

You can also connect to the internet in Ako Awe and the library. Please note that these areas are for students to work. Social networking sites have been blocked.

2) How do I connect to the internet using a wireless device?

To connect your wireless device to a Lightwire hotspot, find the Lightwire Wireless Network on your device. As you attempt to connect to this you will be prompted to enter you Bay of Plenty Polytechnic user name and password. Your tutor will give you this during orientation.

3) What happens when I reach my 1GB allowance?

If you reach your 1GB allowance you'll no longer be able to access the internet unless you top up your account. You can do this online (and view current data rates) at www.lightwire.co.nz or by purchasing a top up scratch card from our Information Centre or Ako Awe.

Special data rates are available and top ups are valid for one year from the date of your most recent top up.

4) What happens if I don’t use my 1GB allowance?

At the same time each month your 1GB allowance expires and the new allowance is applied. Unused data does not accumulate from month to month.

5) What's the difference between accessing the internet via a Bay of Plenty Polytechnic computer vs a Lightwire hotspot in terms of the websites I can access?

If you connect to the internet via a Bay of Plenty Polytechnic computer you'll have restricted access to some websites including objectionable material, malware, viruses, TradeMe, and some social networking sites like Facebook.

If you connect to the internet via your own wireless device you'ill have access to all sites except those where objectionable material, malware and viruses are blocked.

6) Are there any websites that are free to access?

All Polytechnic related websites are free to access and will not require a log on. These include;

• Bay of Plenty Polytechnic website www.boppoly.ac.nz
• BayLearn
• WINTEC website
• Waiariki website
• University of Waikato

7) What about partnership students?

All students who have a Bay of Plenty Polytechnic login will have access to the Lightwire service. The University of Waikato partnership students will not have access at this stage however because the service is delivered by the connection in Hamilton. There are plans to integrate access and this will allow all students on campus access to Lightwire wireless at Windermere and Bongard.

8) Who do I contact for support?

If you have problems connecting to the internet please call them on 0800 12 13 14 or email support@lightwire.co.nz.

9) Am I able to print via wireless?

No. At this time we are only offering an internet service.

10) What is the process if I complete my study or withdraw and wish to continue the Lightwire service? What is the refund policy for top-ups?

You can continue to use the service as long as you have a valid Bay of Plenty Polytechnic account. Once the studying is completed then the account will be disabled. If you withdraw the account will be disabled.

There are no refunds for top ups.

11) I've just changed my network password, and I'm unable to log in to Lightwire. What happened?

If you have changed your password, you'll have to log out of the PC and log back in.

12) Why the move to Lightwire?

In 2010 it was identified that the internet service of the time was not keeping pace with the demands of students. We listened to the feedback and the resulting move to Lightwire offers a number of benefits:

• wireless access has been introduced, allowing connection to the internet from laptops. This allows access to Baylearn and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic webmail, among others.
• Lightwire manages the accounts and provides a more student-focused service, providing flexible top-up options and seamless account management from lab computers to students' mobile devices
• much larger data plans too

You may also be interested in our IT Frequently Asked Questions.