Optus beefs up WiFi hotspot coverage

Users of Optus' Wireless Connect service will be able to utilise the extra hotspots -- which are located across the nation's major cities -- as they would Optus' own, and at the same cost, according to a statement issued by the two companies. Optus presently operates a network of 120 hotspots.

The deal is the second in the last several months whereby Optus has partnered with a relatively small wireless player. In late May, the telco said it would resell Personal Broadband Australia's iBurst solution. At the time Unwired said it also was talking with Optus about a potential deal.

Both Optus and Azure claimed customers were seeking wireless hotspot access in greater numbers than ever.

"In the past few months Optus has experienced a growth in customers choosing our monthly Optus Wireless LAN Plan," said Optus's director of products and delivery Chris Lane.

Azure chief executive David Gold claimed Azure's number of unique users had increased by over 400 percent over the last 12 months.