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.

CORP TALK: Singapore-based telecom provider StarHub has now become the first mobile service provider in Asia to offer free access to MSN Live Messenger and Facebook to post-paid customers at no charge for data usage.

This service is currently available only on selected handsets, such as the Samsung OMNIA II, HTC Touch Diamond 2, Nokia E63 and the new LG GM730 multimedia touch-screen smartphone.

The LG GM730 is exclusively pre-installed with the Facebook client which allows mobile users a one-click easy access from the home screen. LG GM730 will start to retail tomorrow at all StarHub Shops and Exclusive Partners’ outlets.

To use Windows Live Messenger or Facebook from a supported mobile device, customers simply launch the application from the phone menu. No prior registration with StarHub is required.

CORP TALK: Following up on an earlier report we did on Huawei partnering with Singapore-based StarHub to launch an upgraded commercial HSPA+ service, StarHub will be rolling out the service for real tomorrow.

Called the MaxMobile Elite, the HSPA+ service offers download speeds of up to 21Mbps nationwide, priced at S$118 (US$81) per month. For customers who take up a two-year subscription plan, they get a 30% discount on the monthly fee, paying only S$82.60 (US$57).

Those on the MaxOnline post-paid plan (with the exception of MaxOnline FlexiSurf) enjoys 50% and pay only S$59 (US$41). Whatever the plan, the Huawei HSPA+ USB modem is free. Besides the MaxMobile Elite, StarHub also offers a 7.2Mbps (Ultimate) and 2Mbps (SurfLite) service.

PROMOTIONS: If you happen to be in Singapore on 24-26 July 2009, sports, entertainment and media company IMG will be launching its inaugural exhibition called the Lifestyle Value 2009 at the Singapore Expo Hall 4 during the period. The event will display different types of lifestyle choices ranging from automotive, consumer electronics, spa and beauty, sports apparel and equipment, as well as travel and weddings. From car accessories to flat-screen TVs, spa items to sporting wear and wedding ideas, check it all out at the event. For more details, click here.

Two models holding ESET's NOD32 Smart Security 4 at the media event in Hong Kong on June 29.

CORP TALK: HWM met up with the Mr. Miroslav Trnka, Chief Executive Officer and founder of ESET and Mr. Maros Mozola, Senior Vice President International Business of ESET in Hong Kong recently, when the company launched the 4th Edition of its ESET NOD32 Smart Security Suite 4.0 to the market.

Best known for its NOD32 Antivirus software, which runs transparently in the background with little strain on system requirements, the Bratislava, Slovakia-based company (with a global distribution office in San Diego, USA) has been in Europe for 22 years and is now continuing its focus to grow within the Asia Pacific region.

UPDATE (16 July): Version 2 Singapore, the distributor of ESET products in Singapore, has notified us that the ESET Antivirus 4.0 & Smart Security 4.0 will be launched on 1 August in Singapore. The ESET NOD32 Antivirus (Standard Edition, 1-User for 1-Year) will cost S$40 while the ESET Smart Security (Standard Edition, 1-User for 1-Year) will cost S$60.

Here are some photos from the Hong Kong launch itself (held on 29 June 2009). One-on-one interview transcript to follow after the break.

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