The community wireless, open access network, is designed to be a resource point for any organisations, such as councils, start-up companies, businesses, schools and government departments.

Sensors can be connected to the network to measure such things as water levels, temperature, moisture, movement, or be used to remotely control equipment.

This first stage of the network uses four gateways in central Launceston and surrounding locations – the Gorge Cottage, the Launceston Aquatic Centre, and Enterprize Launceston and Definium Technologies in central Launceston.

The entire city and surrounding areas up to a range of about 25 kilometres will be covered.

Businesses, organisations, startups, schools, developers and researchers are encouraged to connect to the network and experiment with sensors and data.

The entire network is expected to be complete in April and will feature several more stages.

Launceston company Definium Technologies manufactured the wireless broadcast locations.