Singaporeans and IMF-World Bank delegates have yet another reason to smile this September during Singapore 2006 (S2006). They can enjoy free wireless broadband at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Suntec City Mall, Raffles City Shopping Centre, CityLink Mall, Millenia Walk and Marina Square Shopping Centre. This free month-long Wireless@SG service is organised by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) as a lead-up to the commercial deployment of Wireless@SG in January 2007, nation-wide.

From January next year, Singaporeans will get to enjoy free wireless Internet in public areas for two years.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shared this and other initiatives at a dinner marking 25 years of infocomm achievements.

Mr Lee also painted a vision where IT businesses can grow and jobs created as Singaporeans get wired island-wide.

So, from January 2007, it will be rolling out wireless broadband Internet in all public spaces, called Wireless@SG, for free, for the first two years.

Premium and higher access speeds will also be immediately available - but this will come at a fee.

"Thereafter, access is expected to remain highly affordable. So, with just your laptop or PDA, you can enjoy high speed connection to the Internet, send out instant messages and check emails and even make VOIP (voice-over-IP) calls," said Mr Lee.

Singaporeans will be able to surf all over downtown, major town centres, recreational areas like East Coast Park, and maybe even at libraries and fast food outlets.

Three operators - iCELL network, QMax Communications and SingTel - have been appointed to do this.

They will carve out the island into three areas, and complete their deployment by end-September next year.

CNA 10 Oct 2006