NSW CBD’s to Get Free Wifi

January 30th, 2007: The NSW state government has kicked off its push for free Wifi in cities throughout the state, inviting bids from developers to offer free wireless broadband.

The initiative put forward by the Iemma government and announced by NSW Minister for Commerce, John Della Bosca, will see a partnership between government and the private sector to bring blanket wireless internet access to major city centres.

"This initiative will mean that wireless access currently available in 'hot spot' locations, such as some workplaces, cafes and parks would be available universally within CBD areas - so a potential user won't have to worry about their location," said Della Bosca according to PCWorld.

The project currently aims to cover the Sydney CBD and other business centres such as Gosford, Liverpool, Newcastle, Parramatta, Penrith and Wollongong with free access, however, this list could also be expanded upon to cover more regional areas.

"The initiative to extend wireless broadband in NSW cities seeks to provide competitive and innovative coverage in defined areas of our cities with a free-to-user option as an entry-level service," the government wrote in the expression of interest document.

"It is envisaged that a range of premium services would also be available to facilitate upgrade paths to meet user demand growth. Respondents are to briefly outline the range of services proposed in their solution."

Response to the expression of interest are due by February 28 this year, with a decision likely to be made by Q2.

Comment on this story