UNSW has launched a free high-speed wireless internet service for students, staff and academics, promising greater coverage across campus.

More than 120 base stations have been upgraded, though a total of 300 eventually will be situated throughout Kensington Campus by the end of 2008.

The base stations will improve coverage for those wanting to use their laptops outdoors, in cafes, as well as in lecture theatres and the library.

The installation was done in record time over semester break.

"Normally it would have taken three months to roll out a project like this but the IT staff have done it in six weeks," says Greg Sawyer, Manager Infrastructure Services Support from IT at UNSW.

"The new service makes it much easier to connect. Before, students and staff had to visit the service desk to have software installed. Now, once a wireless device is configured for UniWide, it's just a case of click and connect."

Academics will be able to establish guest accounts for conference delegates and visiting fellows.

For more details, contact the IT Service desk on 9385 1333 or visit the UniWide Wireless web page.

Watch the video and see how it works.