Users tapping into Singapore’s biggest free public Wi-Fi network, Wireless@SG, will soon enjoy a seamless and faster online experience with a new automatic SIM-based login feature. The network will also be more widely accessible with the number of hotspots set to increase four-fold over the next two years.

The new login feature for Wireless@SG is based on the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) for SIM cards. It simplifies the registration and login process. New and existing users with supported mobile devices just need to setup or configure these devices once with a local SIM card for automatic detection and login to the Wireless@SG network. The authentication mechanism allows the Wireless@SG network to recognise a registered user by the identification details stored in the local SIM card whenever they are within range of a Wireless@SG hotspot, thus offering users an “always on” experience by allowing them to automatically connect to any Wireless@SG hotspot.

In addition, from June 2014, visitors in Singapore can register for a free account at any Wireless@SG hotspot and receive their login details through SMS messages sent to their foreign mobile numbers. Alternatively, visitors can buy a local prepaid SIM card from M1 and StarHub to log in to Wireless@SG using the new SIM-based login feature.

These enhancements are part of IDA’s ongoing efforts to improve the Wireless@SG user experience, which also include a Wireless@SG speed upgrade from 1 Mbps to up to 2 Mbps in March 2014.

Describing them as “timely”, Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, who was guest of honour at the launch of the next phase of Wireless@SG, said the pervasiveness of the cellular network and presence of Wi-Fi hotspots pave the way for service providers to roll out location-based and context-driven services to consumers and businesses.

To support the expected growth in demand for free public Wi-Fi services, Dr Yaacob said new hotspots would be rolled out progressively with Wireless@SG partners. For example, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will launch a trial to offer free Wi-Fi at 28 MRT station platforms, including the platforms of all North-East Line stations and 12 other stations with high commuter usage.

IDA will double the total number of hotspots to 10,000 by 2015, and further double this to 20,000 by 2016.

Mr Khoong Hock Yun, IDA’s Assistant Chief Executive, Development Group, noted that Singaporeans have become increasingly Internet savvy and at ease with the mobile lifestyle. Since the launch of Wireless@SG in 2006, usage of the service has increased six-fold, and now stands at nearly 32 hours per user per month.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can also tap on Wireless@SG to support their IT needs and improve productivity through business applications offered by Wireless@SG operators, he added.

From June 2014, enterprises can look forward to standardised business applications from Wireless@SG operators that ride on the same public-facing Wireless@SG network. For example, one of the solutions showcased during the Wireless@SG event combined wireless connectivity with analytics, enabling mall operators to better understand shoppers and their shopping habits, paving the way for targeted advertising to be sent to different groups.

Such standard IT solutions can be rolled out quickly to businesses and at a lower cost. “This will help Singapore companies become more competitive, while providing more free Wireless@SG hotspots for the public,” said Mr Khoong.

Click here to find out how you can set up your mobile device for SIM-based login.