Wireless@SG Coverage in Singapore

As some of us in Singapore might have known, the Singapore government has launched the Wireless@SG programme, a project to create wireless network across public areas in Singapore. It was launched on 1st December 2006, one month ahead of its intended launch schedule on 1st January 2007. The Singapore government, particularly the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), has decided that the two-year period for users to enjoy the wireless services for free will be extended to three years.

However, I noticed that at the moment, the coverage of the wireless service is not as good as what was being announced. For example, my two favourite eating places, Al-Ameen and Al-Azhar, which are located at the heart of the Bukit Timah area, is not yet covered. I also tried to search for the Wireless@SG SSID when I was in VivoCity couple of weeks ago, and I couldn't find it on the list as well. I thought the Wireless@SG should cover most of public places within the CBD and in all town centres across Singapore?

Perhaps IDA should closely monitor the deployment of the wireless services by all the three operators (iCell, QMax and SingTel) to ensure that they deploy the wireless services up to the required standards, especially with regards to the coverage. Well, now I can understand Pak Budi's frustration when he said that it's very difficult to find free wireless hotspots when he visited Singapore, just a week ago.