Optus Mobile has become the first telecommunications carrier to work with Sydney Airport Corporation Ltd to offer travellers access to its wireless broadband service in the T1 International and T2 Domestic terminals.
Sydney Airport has launched Australia's largest airport wireless hotspot site enabling telecommunications companies to connect to its wireless infrastructure and offer services.
Mr Allen Lew, Managing Director of Optus Mobile said Optus' strategy was to secure hotspots in key locations such as Sydney Airport to ensure access availability beyond the walls of corporate lounges.
"Optus' service will be available to anyone in the airport's coverage area.
"Optus has rolled out WiFi services in high-traffic locations convenient to business travellers who need connection to the office to continue business activities.
"Wireless broadband is about immediate access to email and the internet without the need to plug into a wall. Use of mobile devices such as laptops and PDAs continues to grow and people are beginning to value the convenience of WiFi hotspots.
"Now savvy commuters won't miss out on the convenience and time-saving benefits of WiFi. Time waiting for flight connections can be spent checking email or surfing the internet," Mr Lew said.
Optus has secured access to Sydney Airport's existing WiFi network and will offer the first commercial WiFi service in both terminals. Customers with WiFi enabled laptops will automatically detect the presence of Sydney Airport's network and then be able to either use their existing Optus Wireless Connect account, or sign-up to Optus' service. Casual users can tap into locations such as Sydney Airport with a 'pay as you go' fee structure. As an added incentive, Optus is running a launch promotion where the first hour of service is free of charge for customers who sign up to the Optus Wireless Connect Casual rate plan.
For more information:
Germaine Graham
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 5042
Optus Wireless Connect Zones - Locations
Optus to date has more than 100 Optus Wireless Connect Zones, with a continuously growing network. Major location partners include, Hudson's Coffee, Gloria Jeans, Sydney Airport and Brisbane Airport. Customers can get the latest location list and maps at Wireless Connect.
Optus Wireless Connect - Pricing
Optus Wireless Connect accepts payment from all major credit cards. Usage is billed in per second increments based on the following rate schedule:
| Optus Wireless Connect Plan | Monthly Access Fee | Establishment Charge | Included Usage | Excess Usage Rate |
| Optus Wireless Connect Casual | $0 | $13.20 | 1 hour* | $12.10 per hour |
| Optus Wireless Connect Regular | $5.50 | $0 | 0 hours | $11 per hour |
| Optus Wireless Connect Silver | $27.50 | $0 | 2.5 hours | $10.45 per hour |
| Optus Wireless Connect Gold | $49.50 | $0 | 5 hours | $9.90 per hour |
*Includes 1 hour of free connect time which expires at the end of the billing period. This will be between 29 and 31 days after activation.
Optus also offers special rates for corporate customers. For more details, please visit: optusbusiness.com.au/wirelessconnect.
Hardware Requirements: Customers will need a standard Wireless LAN card that supports 802.11b technology, installed in their laptop or PDA device. Some laptops have the Wireless LAN capability built in otherwise, customers can buy a card from their nearest computer supplier.
Security: Optus has implemented a number of security features with its service. For greater security of data we recommend customers always log out at the end of each session, install personal firewall software and use secure websites where possible. Always use secure virtual private networks when connecting to a corporate network. For more information on Optus e-Security Solutions visit optusbusiness.com.au/esecurity/
Accessing corporate network/intranets: It is possible for customers to connect to their corporate network or intranet if their laptop is configured for secure virtual private networking (VPN). If customers don't have such a service available, Optus can provide this service via its Optus Secure Roam product.