Five new free wi-fi hotspots are in the pipeline for the Napier CBD and the city's airport at a cost of $130,000.
The council's city development committee approved the spending yesterday.
Its decision will be ratified at the next full council meeting on August 13.
Council staff had recommended theinstallation of the five new wi-fi hotspots covering the intercity bus terminal and neighbouring Clive Square, the airport, Sound Shell), outside the public library and Tiffen Park, beside the Municipal Theatre.
The estimated cost of $34,000 a year over four years compared with $41,000 per annum the council has been spending on a three-year old network which staff said was not meeting its objectives, including adding vibrancy to the CBD.
The cost of the newly-approved project includes adding seating and fixtures to enable people to use the wi-fi service.
Councillor Roy Sye called the project a wonderful idea but said it was important the council's investment was centred around the fixtures rather than the technology, which "was not our core business and can get obsolete very, very quickly".
"I would like to see in the future consideration given to expanding into other areas where people congregate - the Taradale CBD, Park Island, Maraenui," Mr Sye said.
Committee chairman Keith Price said the main aim of the project was to provide a "test case" for future expansion of the network.
Meg Rodel, manager of Napier Inner City Marketing which promotes businesses in the CBD, told the committee she fully supported the move and was often asked by retailers about plans to expand wi-fi coverage in the city.
The objectives of investing in the network included meeting "general expectations" that wi-fi be available for city visitors and residents, and to make public spaces "more vibrant by keeping customers in town for longer", council corporate IT manager Andrew Siddles said in a report to the committee.
