THE whole northern half of the Adelaide CBD will have free wi-fi coverage and overall city coverage is set to more than double under a contract won by Internode.

The internet provider has secured the $1.5 million deal with the State Government and City Council for the Australian-first, city-wide rollout, first revealed by The Advertiser last November.

The company says Adelaide will have one of the largest outdoor wireless networks in the western world, covering 97 per cent of the northern CBD from Wakefield and Gouger streets to North Tce.

It says "extensive" coverage will also be available in the southern half of the city from early next year, focused on commercial areas such as Hutt St.

More than 200 outdoor wireless access points will be installed throughout the CBD to spread the signal for users to tap into.

Work has started on the new AdelaideFree network and will be completed by early next year, in time for the Mad March festival season.

Internode founder Simon Hackett said the expanded coverage would benefit residents, commuters and visitors.

"It will give them fast free internet access throughout the CBD," he said.

"Students can use this wi-fi to study. Business people can use it for remote access to their office networks.

"Anyone can use it to stay in touch by email, checking the web for store specials or ordering online, all without affecting their monthly mobile phone data quota."

Mr Hackett, Information Economy Minister Grace Portolesi and Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood are announcing the contract in Hindmarsh Square this morning.

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