Internet Access in WA

If you have a PDA or laptop that uses your mobile phone to connect to the Internet, this is not a reliable option if touring outside of the capital, especially in the north of the state. The speed may also be limited depending on which mobile phone network you are using.

In Perth, there are plenty of Internet cafes and some also have wireless (WiFi) access. Some motels have wireless access as well. In country areas this may be limited or non existent.

An internet cafe usually consists of a coffee shop with computers that you pay to use for a set period of time. Some also offer wireless access, which is sometimes free, or you pay to use for a set period. You may in some cases be required to purchase a coffee to use the system. A cyclist usually doesn't mind this especially with freshly baked pastries.

If you have a laptop or PDA that has wireless capabilities, you may pick up an open wireless access point that someone has in their home. Be aware that it is illegal to access one of these in Australia. If you get caught you could be in trouble.

In a lot of country towns, you may find internet access at libraries, cafes and motels. There is also a Telecentre in most large towns. These are internet access centres set up by the government and usually staffed by volunteers. Their opening times vary between towns and access to them may be limited. Some towns also have visitor's centres which cater to tourists, and along with information about the local area, you may also find internet access.

Internet speed in Australia is pretty slow compared to some countries. Broadband here is usually 1.5 mb/s at the maximum, where I know that in some countries they run at 100 mb/s. In some rural areas, the internet access is still via dial up telephone lines that run at speeds less than 64 Kb/s.

If you are using a Pocketmail device, there are public telephone boxes in most towns, and you are able to dial the Pocketmail service by accessing a local call fee number. It is also accessible via mobile phones on the GSM network.

You will also find internet access at a lot of hostels especially in Perth. Their connection speed will also vary depending on their location. Most major hostels outside of the capital also have internet access. It may pay to check if you are booking in advance.

If you plan on staying in hostels or at a caravan park, there is usually a public telephone available. If you have a pocketmail device, then this is fine, but if you need to plug your laptop into a phone line socket then this could be a problem. Some of the public phones inside hostels may allow you to unplug the phone and plug your laptop in to make a call.

One other thing to look for, and you never saw it here. Coke Machines! Some of them are plugged into a telephone socket so that they can have their stock levels checked via a dial in. I'll let you figure the rest out for yourself?..