World Cup to boost wi fi range

Photo / APN

Auckland will bolster its "patchy" wi-fi service for the Rugby World Cup - but users will have to pay for the service.

Auckland Council is tendering to expand its public wireless internet network. The charges are expected to range from $3, for an hour or 60 megabytes, to $30 for a week or 1.2 gigabytes.

This comes as Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown announces Wellington City will provide a free CBD wi-fi service in time for the cup, and Dunedin and Hamilton councils also promise some free wi-fi.

The Auckland city wi-fi network covers parts of Aotea Square, Parnell, Viaduct Harbour, Ponsonby, Newmarket and Remuera.

Auckland Council's economic development manager Harvey Brookes said he hoped to expand it to key locations like Eden Park, North Harbour Stadium, train stations and taxi ranks.