Azure extends Australian wireless reach
Azure extends Australian wireless reach
Australian wireless Internet access provider Azure Wireless has announced a major expansion of its wireless hotspots across Australia. In expanding its network, Azure has adopted a strategy of innovative hotspot location to maximise the usability and reach of its network.
According to David Gold, CEO and founder of Azure, the announcement marks the commencement of a new roll out of services throughout Australia.
"We are announcing a large number of new sites in Sydney and Melbourne, including highly trafficked Sydney areas such as Chifley Plaza and Chinatown, and landmark Melbourne locations such as Crown Casino, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Northland Shopping Centre and Melbourne's major new CBD development, the QV Melbourne.
"We are also able to announce a compelling list of new ventures in Queensland, specifically in Brisbane CBD, up to Noosa Beach, Sanctuary Cove and around the Gold Coast.
"We've located some of our hotspots in shopping centres, such as Brisbane's Myer Centre, making us one of the first wireless hotspot operators to do so. Similarly, we've chosen facilities such as the Sanctuary Cove village as another hotspot location, creating accessibility for boat owners and residents alike. We believe making wireless access available in locations of this type is an ideal strategy to maximise the usability and reach of the network.
"We have also added new sites in Perth to the network," said Gold.
One of the main reasons for the expansion, added Gold, is an increase in the number of wireless enabled applications available for networks.
"This is largely due to the uptake of Intel Centrino mobile technology and other communication devices. There is no doubt that this has given the wireless communication arena a major boost," he said.
Gold said that the increased demand for wireless Internet access was also being driven by users looking for a more cost effective means of access, sending emails and using web services.
"We've detected a shift in the way people gaining access to wireless internet services in favour of purchasing it through their existing ISP, which in most cases are Azure resellers, as this is a more cost effective and convenient way of gaining access. Up until now, more than 75 percent of customers have been casual users paying for access via their credit card or a prepaid card," he said.
Working closely with Intel, Azure Wireless is part of a joint marketing initiative that actively promotes high speed Internet services. A number of campaigns will target customers of Azure's accredited resellers, business travellers and users of wireless-enabled laptops and PDAs.
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