Starting in January 2007, residents of Singapore will have access to free wireless Internet access in public spaces. The service will remain free for 2 years and is meant to help both IT businesses grow and help Singaporeans (including needy students, the disabled and the elderly who might not be able to afford the service otherwise) make the leap to digital. The government hopes to see the broadband user base grow to 250,000 users by the time the free Wi-Fi coverage ends.
Three companies, iCELL network, QMax Communications and SingTel, will manage the deployment. Complete coverage of all public spaces should be completed by September 2007.
Higher access speeds and premium services will be offered for a fee.