Free Wireless Broadband In NSW

Free universal broadband internet access will be available in major central business district areas under a plan announced by the NSW government.

NSW Premier Morris Iemma today said the government would call for expressions of interest next year for the establishment of a universal wireless broadband coverage in seven areas.

The areas are: central and north Sydney, Parramatta, Penrith, Liverpool, Newcastle, Wollongong and Gosford.

“Universal access to wireless broadband in our CBDs will further boost the state’s economy and make NSW more attractive for expanding all new businesses,” Mr Iemma said in a statement.

“Tourists and business visitors, now accustomed to this type of technology in other global cities such as San Francisco and Paris, will have improved email and internet access.”

Mr Iemma also announced the government would set up an Innovation Council and secretariat to look at ways of improving the innovation capacity of buyers in key industry sectors.

The industry sectors are logistics and transaction services, financial services, entertainment, design and media, manufacturing and resources.

The government will also establish an institute for advanced research in finance to undertake research which links the state with global thinking in finance.

The government will also spend $1 million to stimulate technological innovation associated with carbon dioxide capture and storage.