Wifi Revolution

Hotgate Technology, an Internet-enabled service provider, has announced the launch of free wireless Internet services in Penang.

 

As part of its 'Penang Free Wi-Fi' project, Hotgate will provide wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) services at selected locations in Penang Island this month.

 

Hotgate is expecting that the free service will be well received by the public since it is accessible via laptops and hand phones equipped with Wi-Fi capability. Laptops with Wi-Fi capability are also widely available in Penang.

 

The company, which will be working closely with Penang State Government to roll out the services, is planning to extend the locations in a phased manner. Hotgate will roll out free services in five phases starting from now and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.

 

Hotgate is planning to cover 750 hotspots including those in the mainland over a 15-month period. Hotgate is currently providing free Wi-Fi services at a number of F&B (News - Alert) chains of outlets in Malaysia.

 

The Free Wi-Fi project is a good example of a public-private partnership. The Penang State Government is not likely to make any financial investment in the project. Its role is to allow Hotgate to install the access points (AP) and backhaul links on state government-owned properties.

 

Hotgate will design, build, own, operate and maintain a Wi-Fi network made up of approximately 750 wireless access points that will be linked by a combination of asymmetrical digital subscriber lines (ADSL) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX (News - Alert)) with Wi-Fi as the last mile.

 

Hotgate will partner with REDtone Telecommunications for this initiative to offer free Wi-Fi services on the 2.4GHz spectrum. Hotgate, in collaboration with REDtone (News - Alert), is hoping to sign up similar ventures with other states in Malaysia.

 

Michael Yang, chairman, Hotgate, said, “Public areas such as recreational parks, libraries, bus terminals, train stations and community centers will now be turned into Internet-friendly places for the public at large through the Penang Free Wi-Fi project.”

 

“The Penang Free Wi-Fi initiative on the whole, supports the government's efforts to build a stronger Internet penetration in the country. It is also an effective way to assist the Penang State Government to bridge the digital divide between the rural and urban areas,” Yang added.

 

 

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