Polynesians get free wireless web

Visitors will be able to log on free to net from their yachts

The tiny Polynesian island of Niue has become the first country to get a free nationwide wireless internet service.

The free wi-fi link will be accessible to all of Niue's 2,000 residents as well as tourists and business travellers.

People will need a laptop with a wi-fi card installed to access the service.

The service is being supplied by a charitable group called the Niue Internet Users Society and will employ the same radio technology used for the numerous wireless networks springing up around Europe.

Wi-fi uses radio technology to send data over the airwaves, removing the need for computer cables.

Perfect fit

It is the perfect fit for the island of Niue, where harsh weather conditions of rain, lightning, salt water, and high humidity cause major problems with underground copper lines

Richard St Clair, Niue Internet Users Society

Niue is already a sophisticated internet nation. Free e-mail services were introduced in 1997 and free broadband has been offered at the island's internet café since the spring.

Wi-fi, however, is particularly well-suited to the South Pacific island.

"It is the perfect fit for the island of Niue, where harsh weather conditions of rain, lightning, salt water, and high humidity cause major problems with underground copper lines," said Richard St Clair, co-founder and technical manager at Niue's Internet Users Society.

The new wireless link is likely to benefit Niue's tourist industry.

Yacht surfing

A substantial portion of its tourism comes from visiting yachts during the non-cyclone seasons.

Those with onboard computer equipment with wi-fi cards will be able to surf the net from their boats.

Local residents, especially those in congested telephone areas, will find the service extremely useful.

One government office is already hooked up to the technology and others will join it as soon as the appropriate hardware is installed.

Niue is something of a leader when it comes to developing affordable and dependable internet services.

Wi-fi is ideal for small islands such as Niue but in Europe experts are questioning whether the wireless bubble is about to burst.

So-called wi-fi hotspots that are springing up in cafes, hotel lobbies and airports in many European cities are unlikely to make money and the networks will remain patchy, said analyst firm Forrester.