The man tasked with rolling out Australia's largest public Wi-Fi network says Canberrans will not be disappointed by network speed and ready access around the city's central business district.
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Leading moves to position the capital as a truly digital city, ACT government reform director Brook Dixon said speeds on the free network would be similar to current 3G coverage but without congestion during peak periods.
''We are committed to a very user-friendly experience,'' he said.
''You know what a bad Wi-Fi network is: one that trips out, one that has slow download speeds, where you're bombarded with advertising. Users in Canberra are not going to get that.''
ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher announced plans for the Wi-Fi network to be operational in the CBD from the second half of this year, with other ACT town centres to follow. Mr Dixon said negotiations with potential providers were continuing and a trial of free access on ACTION buses would begin soon.
''All the technical details, about the provider, the speed and user experience will soon be announced,'' Mr Dixon said.
'''I think everyone will be pleased by the coverage area, service standards and the user experience.''
He said it was too soon to discuss security and data issues related to the network but that it would suit everyday use.
''Checking your emails, using social media, browsing the web, watching videos on YouTube, connecting to government services, you will be able to do that while you're sitting on your lunch break,'' he said.
The network forms part of the government's $4.4 million digital action plan and comes as Civic's Garema Place is developed as a new, dedicated digital space and digital screen.
''We talk about Capital Metro and the city plan as game changers for Canberra and free public Wi-Fi is absolutely [a] game changer,'' Mr Dixon said.
The Canberra Business Council welcomed the plan on Friday.
Chief executive Chris Faulks said digital foundations would also help local businesses increase sales and exposure.
''We have the highest internet usage in the country, with 89 per cent of ACT homes having internet access and 50 per cent of our businesses already embracing teleworking,'' Ms Faulks said.
''It makes sense to leverage off the expertise and uptake we have in this field and help the ACT become a modern, dynamic, digital city.
''In particular, we are supportive of the measures which will help businesses reach new markets and customers, such as the digital business capacity building workshops.
''These workshops … will build the ICT capacity of the local business community.''
