A new service being launched in Tauranga will see people able to use public Wi-Fi zones to safely and securely transmit sensitive details.

EOL, a Tauranga wireless internet provider, is launching the service this month which will allow people to choose a ‘high security' option when browsing the internet in public places such as cafes, parks and camping grounds.

EOL managing director Terry Coles says they have set up a network of Wi-Fi zones through the Western Bay of Plenty, which can be accessed throughout Tauranga's CBD, Tauranga Hospital, Grace Hospital, Marine Parade, Pilot Bay and the Beachside Holiday Park at the base of Mount Maunganui.

Terry says a ‘secure option' is rarely available for public networks anywhere in the world, and may well be a first for New Zealand.

'Almost all public internet hotspots around the world are non-secure open networks which is why users should avoid transmitting sensitive data over them.

'Provided your mobile device supports it, we can now protect your privacy when you're using EOL's paid public network.”

He says the new secure service will be of particular interest to IT or business people who want to connect to their business networks remotely in a secure and protected manner whilst roaming in public places.

'Our new paid service will include both secure and unsecure, for older devices, login options and will offer many other advantages compared to our existing free Wi-Fi zone service.”