Singapore’s free and popular Wireless@SG service has gotten better than ever: the infrastructure has been upgraded enabling users to automatically and securely log-on to the network; a new application, Wireless@SG Connect, offers new mobile services to end users; and the Centralised Location-Based Engine (CLBE) has been implemented enabling application developers to deliver location-sensing services over the network.

With Secure and Seamless Access, Wireless@SG users can automatically connect to the Internet without needing to launch the Web browser and navigate through the operator log-in page.

“Since Wireless@SG’s launch in 2006, Singaporeans have become increasingly Internet savvy and at ease with the mobile lifestyle,” said Mr Khoong Hock Yun, Assistant Chief Executive, Infrastructure and Services Development Group, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA). “These enhancements will help to further raise the sophisticated use of wireless services among end-users as well as businesses.”

Secure and Seamless Access (SSA) is a new feature launched on 10 February 2010 that enables Wireless@SG users to automatically connect to the Internet without needing to launch the Web browser and navigate through the operator log-in page.

“After a one-time configuration process, it becomes automatic,” said Mr Ken Chua, Chief Executive Officer of iCell Network, one of the three infrastructure operators for Wireless@SG. “SSA is both simple and secure because of the use of 801.1X authentication protocols.”

Apart from the ease of signing-in, the use of SSA enhances the use of applications such as e-mail and VoIP, where the user may remain passive until there is an incoming e-mail or call.

Currently, more than 50 per cent of all Wireless@SG hotspots, especially those in high-traffic areas, have been upgraded to facilitate SSA, and full deployment can be expected by September 2010.

“We’ve focused on the most popular areas first, but will rapidly rollout islandwide,” said Mr Chua. “Where SSA has not yet been implemented, users will still be able to access the network the traditional way.”

To facilitate the SSA configuration process, the three wireless operators - iCELL, M1, and SingTel - have made available new software called Wireless@SG Connect which will help configure the most popular mobile devices, whether they are notebooks or smartphones.

Wireless@SG Connect also acts as a launchpad to quickly access Wireless@SG related applications and services. These include a Wireless@SG hotspot finder as well as software that enable directory searches, mobile messaging, and social networking.

The last component of the announcement - the implementation of CLBE - will allow mobile application developers to obtain location information from Wireless@SG. It will help them deliver location-sensitive services over the network.

Beyond serving the general population, the Wireless@SG operators have rolled out a variety of enterprise services over the network such as advertising, location-based services, cashless payments, and facility monitoring.

“With the enhanced network and platform, operators and application developers can also introduce more innovative services for consumers and businesses and thus inject even greater vibrancy in Singapore’s wireless broadband market,” said Mr Khoong.