Telstra sells hotspot access

Deena Shiff, Telstra wholesale group managing director, said the trial would let the carrier gauge public interest in wireless local area network services and assess wholesaling options "should sufficient demand exist".

Netspace managing director Stuart Marburg said the trial would allow any of the providers' broadband or dial-up customers requiring e-mail, Web browsing or remote network access to connect to Telstra's 400 wireless hotspots around Australia. Users would be charged AU$3.50 per 15 minutes after a limited-time half-price trial concludes, Marburg said.

Telstra's hotspots are located in areas of high business useage, including airport lounges, cafes, McDonalds and hotels.

The carrier is also trialling wireless hotspots at pay phones in central business districts around the country.