Perth's free Wi-Fi service has expanded to offer internet access to users in Northbridge, in a free connectivity model that differs from others around Australia.
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It follows last year's rollout of the free internet service in Perth's CBD - the first of its kind for an Australian capital city.
Users of the Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi network are now offered a continuous link from the city centre to key public spaces and commercial areas in Northbridge, including the cultural centre, piazza, Russell Square and William, James and Lake streets.
Ruckus Wireless is a US-based supplier of wireless equipment. It built the network for the City of Perth, without a telecommunications company such as Telstra and iiNet which are involved with free Wi-Fi offerings in other capital cities. Optus is also preparing to wrestle some of that market from its rivals.
Ruckus' outdoor access points are positioned on street lamps and furniture around the city, and together with the company's own mesh network connect the access points without having to lay additional, expensive cable backhaul.
Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the initiative would aid tourists and businesses in the area.
"The network now covers a total area of approximately 50 hectares," she said.
"What makes our network special is its blanket coverage.
"Users can now walk from the Bell Tower to Northbridge Piazza without being disconnected."
Almost 25,000 devices were connected to the network during September, according to companies working on the project.
Ruckus and TSG said more than 200,000 reliable network connections occurred in the past 12 months.
City of Perth chief information officer Jonathon Stoate said he was pleased with the network's performance, which supports up to 2000 users at any given time.
"We chose wireless technology that could cope with lots of interference in a challenging and changeable outdoor environment," he said.
Ms Scaffidi said the city plans to expand the network even further as it works towards covering the majority of the city centre.
"Right now it is Northbridge and the CBD, and we are considering further expansion in these areas, as well as other locations to the east and west of both major precincts," she said.
