What is Wireless@SG? |
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| QMax is proud to announce its collaboration with IDA for the Wireless@SG programme. This is a wireless broadband programme developed by IDA as part of its Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure initiative. Users can enjoy free, both in-door and outdoor seamless wireless broadband access with speeds of up to 512kbps at most public areas. Once connected, users will be able to access all Internet-based services e.g. online gaming, web surfing, instant messaging, VoIP and email. To connect to the Wireless@SG wireless broadband network, a user just needs a WiFi-enabled device, such as a laptop computer or a PDA, a web browser, and a registered Wireless@SG account. With this registered account, the user is able to roam within any of Wireless@SG's coverage areas, regardless of the operators' network. |
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I wonder if this is true.
Here is the news...
Free Access to Wireless@SG Network Extended From Two to Three Years
Singapore, 30 November 2006 | For Immediate Release
Wireless@SG Launches 1 Dec 2006, One Month Ahead of Schedule
Following the announcement on 10 October 2006 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, that Singapore will get to enjoy two years of free wireless broadband connections from January next year, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) today announced that the three Wireless@SG operators have extended this free offering to three years. Users can also begin to enjoy wireless connectivity from 1 Dec 2006, one month ahead of schedule at selected hotspots for a start.
The three operators supporting Wireless@SG, iCELL Network Pte Ltd, QMax Communications and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd will extend the free access period till December 2009.
To enjoy the free Wi-Fi basic-tier access with surfing speeds of up to 512Kbps, users can sign up with any of the three Wireless@SG network operators starting 1 December 2006. This offer is open to all residents and visitors in Singapore, and users can sign up with any operator to access all the hotspots in Wireless@SG. By September 2007, the number of Wi-Fi hotspots in Singapore will increase by more than five-fold from 900 today to about 5,000.
There are various ways users can register for the free basic services. These include online registration, where users can complete an online registration form at any of the three operators' websites. A password will then be sent via SMS to subscribers' mobile phones. If they happen to be at a Wireless@SG hotspot, they can also select the Wireless@SG network and click on the 'New User Sign Up' button found on the log-in page. Similarly, a password will then be sent via SMS. Alternatively, those without mobile phones or online access can visit any of the operators' customer service centres to register and collect their passwords. Users can also check with their operator of choice for other registration methods.
Wireless@SG will be available at public areas with high human traffic such as the Central Business District, downtown shopping belts like Orchard Road, and HDB Town Centres. Network coverage will be made available progressively from 1 December 2006 and subscribers are encouraged to provide feedback on how to improve the Wireless@SG service via email to their respective operators. Details of network coverage locations can be found on IDA's website.
In addition to the free "basic tier", there will be a paid "premium tier" for those hungry for bandwidth beyond 512 Kbps, or for connectivity options with higher-quality of service. The three operators have different packages to suit different needs and there is no limit on the number of premium accounts users can sign up for.
IDA Assistant Chief Executive, Infrastructure and Manpower Development Group, Mr Khoong Hock Yun said, "Infocomm connectivity has the power to enrich lives. With Wireless@SG, we're another step nearer a truly mobile lifestyle for Singaporeans as the country progresses to becoming a globally connected and intelligent nation by 2015."
Wireless@SG is the Government's wireless broadband programme that aims to extend broadband access beyond the homes, schools and offices, to public places. IDA called a Wireless Broadband Market Development (WBMD) Call-For-Collaboration in March 2006, to grow Singapore's wireless broadband market and catalyse broadband adoption. It is part of the Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure which when ready by 2012, will also comprise an ultra-high speed wired network.
Registration details are available in the fact sheet attached.
ISSUED BY CORPORATE & MARKETING COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------According to the ida webpage, there is currently
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Total Locations: 254
Which seems far less than the 900 claimed on the press release...
I don't understand how the reporters could just have these news and figures at face values without a simple searching on their webpage to get the truth...
I am trying it out at serveral locations claimed today, but I failed to log in to any one of them, and finally I reached a MacDonalds and managed to get the IDA webpage, and this "FREE WiFi" seems a little "Fishy"
Wireless@SG Account Registration
You can register with the respective Wireless@SG operators now.
Firstly, the link to iCell is not working, and I failed repeatedly to register to SingTel as I'm not a SingTel subscriber.
So I tried to sign up at QMax, and after registering, nothing happened, I did not get a password nor did I get any reply from them.
The question is, is the launch of WIRELESS@SG real or is it a hoax?
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