Telecom’s new Head of WiFi Services, Paul Stoddart, said Telecom’s wireless hotspot service complements existing remote working options, including Telecom Mobile JetStream.

“Our remote working proposition is based on the premise of flexibility and of working where you want, how you want, within our New Zealand coverage area. Wireless hotspots add another way of using our remote working proposition, through providing customers with another access option.”

Telecom’s wireless hotspot network includes the Heritage, and the Millennium Copthorne and Kingsgate Hotel group national chains, as well as Auckland’s Sebel Suites and Quay West Hotel.

There are currently 25 Telecom public hotspot sites throughout the country and the company plans to add new hotspot locations progressively.

The service is currently available to Xtra customers and is offered free of charge until 31 July 2004. From this date, the service will be charged at a rate of NZ$9.95 per hour, including GST, charged directly to the customer’s Telecom bill with the customer’s usual Xtra charges.