UPDATED SEPTEMBER 8:  Free Wi-fi access went live today on Auckland's transport system.

Auckland-based wi-fi services outfit Tomizone has struck a deal with Skype that will see many Australasians getting free wireless internet – at least until the end of August.

The partnership will cover 20,000 wi-fi hotspots across Australia and New Zealand that use Tomizone’s software for managing their connections.

Essentially, the deal (which kicks off today) will allow a customer to pay for wireless internet using their Skype account, rather than having to type credit card details on to a Tomizone form.

Auckland-based wi-fi operator Tomizone, which recently announced major deals in India and China, is keeping things ticking along on the home front, too.

Tomizone boss Steve Simms wants his company to become the Skype of wi-fi. That is, anyone with a Tomizone account will be able to secure a casual wireless internet connection in almost any location.

Auckland company Tomizone has scored a deal that will see it help China Mobile and China Unicom roll out 10,000 wireless internet hotspots by the end of the year.

Tomizone chief executive Steve Simms tells NBR his company was approached in June last year by Beijing-based Coordinate Technologies Communications (CTC).

Mr Simms says CTC interested in Tomizone’s wi-fi services platform, which facilitates credit card payments, or the use of a Tomizone internet account, for people wanting ad hoc access to a wi-fi hotspot.