Sydney reseller rolls out 300 APs for free Inner West wi-fi

Sydney-based Infrastructure Logic won a $364,000 tender to roll out the Inner West Council free public wi-fi.

The project will provide free internet access on the main streets of Annandale, Leichhardt, Rozelle and Balmain.

Infrastructure Logic was selected because of previous experience providing wi-fi solutions to councils including Woollahra and Darebin, university campuses and shopping centres, according to an Inner West Council spokesperson.

As part of the project 23 Ruckus 300 access points will be installed.

The free wi-fi services will be available late June on Booth Street, between Johnston Street and Wells Street, in Annandale.

Next on the list is Norton Street, between Renwick Lane and Mcauley Street, in Leichhardt, which is planned to be available from July 2017. There are also plans for Darling Street in both Balmain and Rozelle.

A letter issued to residents stated: "Free wi-fi availability has increased patronage in other suburbs, which leads to a host of positive flow-on effects for the local community and economy."

The letter signed by Leichhardt Mayor Cr. Darcy Byrne stated: "We will be the first Council in NSW to roll out free wi-fi in every main street area."

A business portal will also be created to encourage local businesses to promote their services and build a local directory that can be accessed by residents and visitors.

The Inner West Council was created on 12 May 2016 from the merger of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville councils.

Premier Mike Baird announced on December 2015 that Sydney's 43 councils would be reduced to 25 and regional councils would be reduced from 109 to 87.