Not all Brisbane hotels may offer free Wi-Fi but visitors can access the internet in the Queen Street Mall and at Southbank. Pic: News Corp Australia

An international hotel Wi-Fi test ranked Australia 24 out of 50 for quality and availability of free wireless broadband.

South Korea and Japan were rated first and second, but the US came in at 40 and Indonesia at 48.

While the internet speed in Australian hotels was generally judged to be quite good, only 42 per cent of places were found to provide free access in all areas.

The percentage was the lowest of any country other than China — on 32.7 per cent.

Despite the poor result, Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO Carol Giuseppi said almost all hotels offered some level of free Wi-Fi — be it in the lobby, restaurant or in room.

TAA’s own survey of 300 hotels, motels and serviced apartments found 65 per cent had free Wi-Fi in some parts of the building and a further 31 per cent offered it on a conditional basis such as through loyalty programs.

Free Wi-Fi is a major drawcard for some hotels aiming to attract the teched-up traveller. Picture: iStockSource:Supplied

Ms Giuseppi said high-speed, secure Wi-Fi did not come cheap with the average installation cost for a hotel around $120,000.

Hotels in regional and remote areas also faced the prospect of monthly bills of up to $20,000 for microwave links or satellite connections, she said.

“Hotels generally accept that a level of internet access should be provided free so that guests can answer emails or update their social media channels,” said Ms Giuseppi.

“But when guests want to download or stream items requiring massive bandwidth then it is only fair that they should pay for premium bandwidth usage.”

A boy using at touch pad in hotel room. Picture: istockSource:Supplied

National Manager of Meriton Serviced Apartments, Matthew Thomas, said it was a great competitive edge for any chain to take free Wi-Fi to the market.

“We see it as the major decision-making criteria after price and location,” said Mr Thomas.

General Manager of Rydges World Square John McIlwain held a similar view.

“Since we introduced free Wi-Fi we have seen our “trust you” survey results increase considerably,” said Mr McIlwain.

“In addition our TripAdvisor ranking improved ten places.”

Australian airlines are expected to be the next “tourism space” to provide Wi-Fi access for all with Qantas set to make an announcement about the rollout of high-speed in-flight internet next Tuesday.

The airline is reportedly planning to use the National Broadband Nework’s satellite broadband system to deliver the service on domestic flights and some international routes.