Council’s Manager Community and Customer Service Luke Lankowski presented a recommendation to the Communities Standing Committee in response to a request in July to investigate extending the service throughout the region.
The council currently has free wi-fi in its libraries and the Emerald Visitor Information Centre and several businesses in the town offer free wi-fi to patrons.
Mr Lankowski told councillors that wi-fi hotspots provide an alternative internet connection to data allowances on mobile phone plans and were particularly beneficial to tourists.
He said that the additional sites recommended were Egerton Street from the library to the town hall and through to the Central Highlands Development Corporation Offices; the botanic gardens; the showgrounds; and the airport.
Council is exploring providers for the service and the costs would depend on the infrastructure required and an ongoing monthly fee.
Other regional centres are also in line for expanded public wi-fi.
Councillors were told that any public wi-fi service would have a download limit, certain sites would be locked-out and terms and conditions of use would apply.