SINGAPORE, 16 JUNE 2009 – Come January next year, users of Wireless@SG, Singapore’s free wi-fi service, need no longer be faced with a log-in screen each time they try to go online.
They need only log-in once, after which the user device automatically authenticates and connects to the network when coverage is detected.
This change forms part of the Infocomm Development Authority’s (IDA) move to improve the Wireless@SG user experience, said Woo Kien Young, deputy director, next generation wireless and platforms, IDA.
“Automating the log-in procedure will ensure users of mobile handheld devices do not struggle with the log-in screen each time they try to use the network,” said Woo.
Other enhancements awaiting Wireless@SG include a speed upgrade from the existing 512 Kbps to 1Mbps, due to take place from September this year. The current free Wireless@SG access for the public has also been extended to 2013.
Services
Also in the works is a mobile portal, dubbed the Wireless@SG Dashboard. The portal, due for release in January 2010, will host a variety of applications and services, such as games and multimedia content for users. A built-in hotspot finder will allow users to locate the nearest Wireless@SG hotspots, to ensure stronger reception.
The IDA anticipates an increase in the volume and type of services available via Wireless@SG by January. This includes the expansion of the current digital signage-based advertising services to include more shopping malls and location-based services which allow retail merchants to broadcast specific promotion messages to consumers. The latter is currently limited to each Wireless@SG operator’s network, but this is expected to be operator agnostic.
The Wireless@SG network had 1.28 million subscribers as of January 2009, according to the IDA.
