Sydney increases wireless access

Over one million Sydney-siders now have access to wireless internet, thanks to the expansion of the Unwired network announced today.

David Spence, chief executive of Unwired, said "Initial customer feedback is also showing a high level of satisfaction ... because it's very affordable, easy to install, simple to use and provides super fast internet access without the need for a phone line - its portability will also allow it to be used across Sydney."

Unwired currently covers 700 square kilometers, making it the world's largest commercial non-line-of-sight broadband wireless access network in terms of coverage and capacity. The network is expected to reach completion by the end of August.

The Unwired network uses an independent network of towers similar to those used by the mobile phone industry. Rather than adhere to the 802.11 Wi-Fi standard, Unwired modems use a proprietary technology that increases the range, allowing customers to connect up to 10kms from a tower.

Connections to the Unwired network start at $34.95 per month for a 256/64Kb/s transfer rate with a 300MB download allowance. Downloads are unlimited but reduced to 64Kb/s after the allowance has been reached.