Founded in the Western Australian city of Geraldton in 1994 by Chris and Rhonda Thomas, Westnet began in a spare bedroom.

With this expansion came the necessity of larger premises, which saw Westnet relocate to St Martins Tower in Perth in 1999.

The move was in response to continued growth, and requirements for expanded office space for staff and resources.

On 8 May 2008 Western Australian based internet service provider iiNet acquired Westnet for $81 million.

Some praised Westnet for openly declaring its use of prioritisation, while others (including a Whirlpool News editorial[5]) criticised the company for using it silently for a year, or for doing so at all.