NSW Minister for Commerce, John Della Bosca, announced Internet providers were being invited to take part in the Morris Iemma government's initiative to provide free wireless broadband to the state's major central business district (CBD) areas. Iemma is the NSW Premier.

Della Bosca said the expression of interest released called for partnerships between the Iemma government and the private sector to provide universal broadband access.

"Universal wireless broadband access will increase opportunities for government and business to deliver services more efficiently, to more people, while residents and visitors will have improved e-mail and Internet access," Della Bosca said.

"This initiative will mean that wireless access currently available in 'hot spot' locations, such as some workplaces, cafes and parks would be available universally within CBD areas - so a potential user won't have to worry about their location."

Responses to the expression of interest (EOI) document are due by February 28, 2007 with a decision on the responses to the EOI expected to be made by second quarter.