From January 2007, public areas in Singapore will offer wireless connectivity, and for starters, there will be two years of free surfing at speeds of up to 512 Kbps. This is the Government's wireless broadband programme that aims to extend broadband access beyond the homes, offices and schools, to public places.
Singapore, 10 October 2006 | For Immediate Release
Government Works with Industry to Cover Country with 5,000 Wireless Hotspots
From January 2007, public areas in Singapore will offer wireless connectivity, and for starters, there will be two years of free surfing at speeds of up to 512 Kbps.
This is the Government's wireless broadband programme that aims to extend broadband access beyond the homes, offices and schools, to public places. These places include high-traffic areas like the Central Business District, downtown shopping belts like Orchard Road, and HDB Town Centres. It is part of the Intelligent Nation 2015, or iN2015 ten-year masterplan, to develop Singapore's Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure.
IDA issued a Call-for-Collaboration earlier this year for interested operators to provide such coverage. Today, IDA has accepted the proposals from iCell Network Pte Ltd, QMAX Communications and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd, to kick-start the nation's progressive deployment of a widely-available wireless network by September 2007.
This follows from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's announcement during his Budget speech that Singapore will embark on this infrastructure project. At a gala dinner tonight to mark Singapore's 25 Years of Infocomm achievements, PM Lee said: "As we move forward in the digital age, we must broaden the opportunities for all segments of the population to access and benefit from technology. We must create digital opportunities for all Singaporeans, and never allow a digital divide in our society."
"Hence we will strive to make the Next-Generation Infocomm Infrastructure readily accessible to all Singaporeans. Three wireless operators have agreed to offer this free access for at least two years. Thereafter, access is expected to remain highly-affordable."
The number of Wi-Fi hotspots will be progressively bumped up, from 900 today, to about 5,000 during this two-year CFC programme.
In addition to the free Wi-Fi access, which is considered the "basic tier", there will be a "premium tier" for those hungry for bandwidth beyond 512 Kbps, or for connectivity options with higher-quality of service.
Details are available in the fact sheet (30.80KB) attached.
ISSUED BY CORPORATE & MARKETING COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Note to Editor:
1 Intelligent Nation 2015, or iN2015, is Singapore's sixth and latest Infocomm masterplan. Its vision is to transform the country into an Intelligent Nation, A Global City, powered by Infocomm by the year 2015. It was launched on 20 June 2006, by Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts Lee Boon Yang, at the annual Infocomm Media Business Exchange, or imbX.
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 https://www.imda.gov.sg/.
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms Dawn Lim
Manager, Corporate & Marketing Communication
IDA Singapore
Tel: +65 6211 0514
Fax : +65 6211 2227
Email: dawn_lim@imda.gov.sg
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