Wi-fi campervans hit the road

Romp routers have been installed into campervans operated by Gateway Motor Homes and Walkabout Rentals.

The routers mean that mobile tourists no longer have to holiday around the opening times of internet cafes.

"If it's 2am in New Zealand and you want to talk to someone in Britain, you can just wake up and switch on your laptop," said Romp spokesman, Pat Kelly.

Users are charged for data and not time.

"Because you're not paying for time, you can be waiting for a response online for hours and it doesn't matter."

Telecom's XT network is being used by the routers and a trans-Tasman company is currently looking at taking the technology to Australia, reports Business Day.