T&A: Singapore’s free Wireless@SG service has doubled in bandwidth from 512Kbps to 1Mbps nationwide since yesterday. According to the release from the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore, this increase in free wireless bandwidth will give Singapore residents and visitors better access to media-rich and interactive websites, including video streaming, conferencing and multimedia applications.

The speed upgrade is seamless without existing users needing to re-register or re-configure their devices. The Wireless@SG service is expected to be a free service until 31 March 2013.

By January 2010, the service will also see additional enhancements, such as Seamless & Secure Access (SSA), Wireless@SG Dashboard and a Centralized Location-Based Engine.

According to IDA, the Wireless@SG service now has 7,500 hotspots from a start of 600 since its 2006 launch. It currently has 1.3 million subscribers.

For more information, download a PDF fact sheet on Wireless@SG. (Editor opinions: 3)

HWM Indonesia

HWM Indonesia: It would be more beneficial for users if the coverage and strength of the Wi-Fi network is extended, rather than to increase the bandwidth.

For tourists/travelers who have limited access to internet, the Wireless@SG service is very useful.

It works for me.

Paolo Manzano, Managing Editor, HWM Philippines

Paolo (HWM Philippines): Really? Should I even care? I have never been able to surf with any regularity and consistency despite registering and trying to connect every single time I am in Singapore.

Whether it’s at Changi or Orchard, it’s always been a no-go for me, even for the most simple Web sites like the Google homepage.

Maybe it’s the wireless radios and settings on all my devices that’s holding me back.

Navin Danapal, Technical Editor, HWM Malaysia

Navin (HWM Malaysia): Unfortunately, Kuala Lumpur’s Wireless@KL initiative by Packet One (P1, under Green Packet) is bogged down by the requirement to register your mobile phone number before you can access free Wi-Fi in the city.

This is off-putting for some people — for obvious reasons. I’m not sure if Singapore’s variant requires the same registration.

It’s much better to just head to the nearest Starbucks for free Wi-Fi (albeit you have to watch a short video ad and enter an email address before you can use the free service).

Alternatively, with people now having mobile broadband in the form of 3G USB data modems, my view is that wireless roaming around the city may pose a much bigger challenge to P1’s Wireless@KL initiative.