[Offtopic] NSW cities .. free wireless broadband

[Stephen Loosley]

Sydney WiFi project on track

Asher Moses July 18, 2007 - 3:43PM (snip)
<http://www.theage.com.au/news/wireless--broadband/sydney-wifi-project-on-track/2007/07/18/1184559848818.html>

Despite some delays, the NSW Government says it is on track to roll out a free wireless broadband network across the Sydney CBD and other major centres.

A spokesman for the NSW Minister for Commerce, Eric Roozendaal, said the Government was in the final stages of selecting the supplier that will build the network, which in addition to the Sydney CBD will cover North Sydney, Paramatta, Penrith, Liverpool, Newcastle, Wollongong and Gosford.

Free wireless hotspots already exist on a smaller scale in various restaurants, cafes and public buildings, but the NSW Government's plan, if successful, would allow people to roam freely around the city while maintaining their connection to the internet.

"Evaluation of the 15 proposals received in response to the Expression of Interest has gone well and is in its final approval stage by the Department of Commerce," the spokesman said.

Telstra, Optus, Unwired Australia and Nortel Networks are among the 15 companies that formally expressed an interest in building the network.

The spokesman .. said the Government would be in a position to announce the chosen supplier "shortly".
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Cheers people
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia
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