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.

T&A: A new case study (in PDF form) on the successful rollout of Packet One Networks (P1)’s WiMAX in Malaysia has been released by Green Packet Berhad (Green Packet). The latter is a leading developer of next-gen mobile broadband & networking solutions.

P1 rolled out Malaysia’s and South-east Asia’s first 802.16e 2.3GHz commercial WiMAX network in August 2008. We covered its Johor Bahru launch here. Since then, it has acquired over 80K subscribers and maintained a respectable ARPU (average revenue per user) of above US$26 (RM93).

Part of the success is attributable to the the tech from P1’s partner, Green Packet, who provided the innovative plug-and-play fixed and mobile devices and connectivity solutions. The case study explains how Green Packet took on this challenge to supply the products and solutions which helped accelerate P1’s launch and traction in Malaysia today. (Editor opinions: 1)

Navin Danapal, Technical Editor, HWM Malaysia

Navin (HWM Malaysia): It’s no surprise that Malaysia’s P1 WiMAX service owes its success to its parent company Green Packet. P1 is Green Packet’s portfolio to sell its CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) to the Middle-East markets, as well as South America.

This was outlined by Mr. Kevin Lee, Senior General Manager, Green Packet Malaysia, in a December 2008 interview with HWM Malaysia. (more…)

CORP TALK: In a report by Nikkei Electronics, Shenzhen, China-based Huawei Technologies has deployed what is believed to be Southeast Asia’s largest 2.5GHz WiMAX commercial network in the Philippines.

The company supplied local telecom company, Globe Telecom, with a telecom-grade, end-to-end WiMAX solution which allowed the operator to deploy the network quickly. Through this WiMAX network, Globe Telecom subscribers will now be able to enjoy high-speed wireless broadband access and high quality VoIP services as part of its efforts to provide affordable and reliable Internet access and broadband services in the country.

In a separate report, the company has also partnered with Singapore telecom company StarHub to launch StarHub’s HSPA+ network in Singapore. This would make StarHub the first operator in Asia-Pacific to have mobile broadband network speeds of up to 21Mbps (from a previous speed offering of up to 14.4Mbps), making StarHub customers among the first users in the world to experience the fastest mobile broadband speeds.

T&A: NEC Corporation has begun a Mobile WiMAX pilot system for Thailand’s Crown Prince Hospital Foundation. The contract covers the setting up of a WiMAX network between Chiang Khong Crown Prince Hospital, located in the country’s northern region, and its affiliated primary care units (PCU).

According to an NEC press release, Thailand’s broadband communications infrastructure is expanding, but a majority of growth is focused in the Bangkok metropolitan area. In January 2008, trial licenses  were issued to 12 communication carriers with early indications showing that demand for WiMAX access exists, despite regional constraints and usage limitations. (more…)

CEO of P1, Michael Lai (left) with Ms. Noora Mat Riffin, Associate Director of Product Strategies & Development.

T&A: Looks like Malaysia (and to the benefit of Singapore PRs and Singaporeans who visit relatives in Johor often) is upping the WiMAX ante with an additional coverage outside of the Klang Valley. This follows on Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.’s, or P1’s successful launch in Klang Valley in August 2008 and the Wireless@Penang initiative in September 2008. While P1’s WiMAX services are now available in Johor Bahru, the capital city of the Johor state of Malaysia, P1 will roll out its services to the rest of the state through 2009 and 2010. (Editor opinions: 1)

Navin Danapal, Technical Editor, HWM Malaysia

Navin (HWM MY): P1 should embark on a few major education campaigns to educate the public on what exactly WiMAX is and the difference between Wi-Fi and WiMAX.

(more…)