Telstra offers Aussies unlimited free Wi-Fi

Telstra is giving its customers unlimited free access to Australia’s largest Wi-Fi network, Telstra Air, in time for summer — a period that can see mobile traffic in top coastal retreats double or triple due to an influx of holiday-makers.

Launched in June, the Telstra Air Network is available in thousands of neighbourhoods across Australia via Wi-Fi hotspots at selected parks, shopping areas, cafes, beaches, transport hubs and residential areas.

The network provides Telstra broadband customers with the option to use their home broadband allowance inside and outside the home.

Starting Tuesday, 15 December, millions of new and existing mobile customers on eligible prepaid and post-paid plans can access the Telstra Air network with unlimited free Wi-Fi until 30 June 2016.

“As Australians hit the beach, head to the coast and relax in our parks, we’re giving eligible customers free Wi-Fi at thousands of Telstra Air hotspots across the nation,” said Neil Louis, Telstra’s head of Wi-Fi.

“We’re tipping customers will use the data-equivalent of sending more than 50 million high-quality photos to post, browse, share and stream on our Wi-Fi network over summer.”

Figures from Facebook reportedly show 2.5 billion pieces of content are posted during the season — that’s around 25 million every day.

Louis said Telstra is “putting the finishing touches” on a big upgrade of its mobile network in more than 70 holiday hotspots across the nation.

He said existing Telstra Air members and Telstra home broadband customers who become Telstra Air members are also eligible for quota-free Wi-Fi at Telstra Air hotspots during this period, provided they don’t exceed their home broadband allowance.

Since its launch, almost 300,000 members have joined the network and 10 councils have partnered with Telstra to roll out additional public hotspots in civic spaces.

Existing Telstra mobile customers can check whether they’re eligible by visiting www.telstra.com/freewifi.

Image courtesy of John Loo under CC