CityLink changes capital’s connectivity

Wellington's Wi-Fi service provider CafeNet is to be rebranded and upgraded in a bid to lure paying customers to its paid network.

Newly named CityFi, the premium network aims to become 'less clunky' and more convenient allowing customers to easily log on without usernames or passwords.

The new casual approach means the service, run by CityLink, will only require credit card details or tokens with a $3 an hour or $10 daily cost.

CityFi chief operating officer Brian Phillips says the previous nine-year-old model had 'not had a lot of love in a wee while' meaning the service would be upgraded to current Wi-Fi technology standards.

The announcement follows the arrival of a 'Pro' service, available for people preferring automatic logons through their computers or smartphones.

The sister project of the telecommunication company is cbdfree, a council-backed service without charge, which currently covers Wellington's 'Golden Mile' circuit from Westpac Stadium to Courtenay Place.

Phillips hopes CityFi, available in more indoor areas, will follow suit but such a move is dependent on council funds.