The controversial ride-sharing service will be in Wollongong on Friday to deliver ice-cream rather than passengers.

People with the Uber app can open it on Friday between 11am and 5pm, hit the "ice-cream" option and have it delivered to their door.

The ice-cream is free for new users and $15 for existing users.

"We know hundreds of people have downloaded the Uber app in Wollongong, so we wanted to give local residents a sweet taste of what Uber has to offer their city, with a scoop or two of Gelato Messina ice-cream," Uber spokesman Casper Nixon said.

But the appearance in the Illawarra is not a precursor to the company offering ride-sharing in the streets of the city.

"Unfortunately, we have no current plans to launch Uber in Wollongong," Mr Nixon said.

"We are hopeful that the government recognises the positive impact of ride-sharing."

Wollongong Radio Cabs chairman Mohamad Choubassi has said he felt it unlikely either Uber or UberX would set up in the Illawarra because there were not enough customers for the existing taxi fleet.