Emirates launches wi-fi on planes - prices start at $NZ10.

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.

At home and away, New Zealanders are unplugging, a newly released Department of Statistics finds.

RAW DATA: Survey results in Excel format

In over half of households with the internet in 2009, a laptop or a handheld computer was used to access the internet at home, five times more than in 2006.

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.

According to an insider report, a new model BlackBerry Storm is due on September 2, adding the conspicuously absent wi-fi. PLUS: Aussies get a $0 up-front iPhone.

SlashGear cites a source close to discussions who says US carrier Verizon Wireless (part-owned by Vodafone) has given Research in Motion the green-light to release a new version of the Storm, which will add wi-fi support.