If a new IT strategy, the “2014 Digital 21 Strategy,” proposal passes, the number of free Wi-Fi connections in Hong Kong could, potentially, double. According to Johnny Tam of the South China Morning Post, the government has suggested investing “at least” HK$12 million.
Just where will these Wi-Fi spots appear, if they are approved? Daniel Lai, a government chief information officer, told Tam that the new spots could be added to public hospitals and border control points, among other possibilities. The spots selected, he says, will undergo a review process; “To decide whether there should be a spot at certain locations, we would review the flow of passengers and the number of users at various spots. For example, at a park, there's no need to put spots all around the place. But if we see needs at a pagoda, we'll put a spot there."
Medha Basu, of Asia Pacific Future Gov, reports that the theme of the proposed strategy is “Smarter Hong Kong, Smarter Living,” and it aims to provide Hong Kong with a means of further economic and social development by leveraging technologies.
In the public consultation document, Greg So, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, explained that the government commissioned IBM (News - Alert) to review the past achievements of the program and to “make recommendations on a new blueprint to steer our ICT development in the next few years.” The result is a proposal for a strategy that will “propel continuous economic development, build platforms for sharing and collaboration, deliver intuitive and integrated e-services to the public and foster a thriving ICT industry.”
So says that the strategy will be living—it will grow and evolve continuously. The full proposal, which also includes such initiatives as broadband and Wi-Fi access for schools to drive e-Learning and ICT as a tool to support underprivileged groups, can be viewed HERE.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson