Desenzano Expands Municipal Service Kiosks and Internet Access Points
The internet highways are endless. Those who can navigate them can reach anywhere: from the Britain Library to U.S. Pentagon websites, even adult content sites. And it was precisely these tempting pages that some users accessed through the new municipal automatic certification devices installed in Rivoltella and in Piazza Primo Maggio.
Indeed, for the past couple of months, in addition to certificates, users can connect for free to the Internet and the civic network Onde. The Municipality had to act quickly and implement a block at least for the most sensitive sites.
Automatic stations
DESENZANO – There are two, but they will become four, the automatic outdoor stations where citizens can obtain a variety of certificates at any hour of the day or night. The devices, which have been operational for several years near the former municipal headquarters in Rivoltella and in Piazza Primo Maggio, were replaced in December.
They are convenient because someone needing a certificate, perhaps with a revenue stamp, doesn’t have to take an hour off from work to go to the registry office. Just insert the Tax Code card and the required fee into the machine at any time, and it will issue the certificate.
But the upgrade of the equipment was also implemented to turn these robots into a true access point for residents and tourists. “A sort of always-open office where specific services can be obtained,” explains assessore Giovanni Venieri.
Services and monitoring of connections
This led to the decision to enable free connection to the civic network Onde and the Internet. The connection can last a maximum of 10 minutes before being interrupted. We intend to allow a user to download their emails from these devices, pay school fees or fines, for example.
In short, we are looking ahead. And this initial experience also revealed some misuse of the connections. We discovered that some users had accessed adult websites. For this reason, we immediately implemented blocking measures.
Currently, we are studying the best way to provide this Internet connection service without, however, facilitating “contacts incompatible” with the institutional aims of the Municipality.
Requests and highlighted issues
The leader of Lega Nord, Rino Polloni, recently submitted a detailed written inquiry to the mayor. He asked who authorized the free connection, which is entirely funded by the Municipality, and how many certificates have been printed.
He also requested information on the cost of the equipment. Polloni further adds that these devices often malfunction or are inactive, as evidenced by the numerous complaints received by the Municipal Office for Relations with the Public.
Expansion and upgrade projects
Venieri, the assessor, clarifies that the machines will increase from two to four. The new ones will be placed at the Centro sociale di San Martino and outside the Palazzo del turismo in Desenzano, right in the city’s central area.
The total cost for the four devices is 110 million lire, including installation. The one to be located outside the Palazzo del turismo will feature a mobile screen, allowing access also for disabled users.