| Hong Kong's move towards citywide Wi-Fi is a hot topic throughout local IT industry circles, but turning the dream into reality will require pioneering efforts. Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA) Chairman John Chiu says: "WTIA is working hard to organize the industry and to ensure introduction of citywide Wi-Fi for the people of Hong Kong." |
Q: What would be the advantages of citywide Wi-Fi in Hong Kong, as far as WTIA is concerned?
A: Easy Internet access anytime, anywhere. Citywide Wi-Fi will be a major benefit to all Hong Kongers! WTIA wants to establish data transfer and VoWLAN technologies by joining forces with partners to promote citywide Wi-Fi. Such a step will enable people to call anywhere in the world at rates far cheaper than those offered by mobile telephony, or maybe even completely free of charge!
Q: Please define citywide Wi-Fi.
A: True citywide Wi-Fi means being able to access the Internet via wireless broadband anytime, anywhere. For example, coverage should include major commercial areas, shopping malls and convenience stores. Some areas may even offer a choice of networks. Rather than charging users, suppliers could cover their costs with Wi-Fi advertising. Income generated could then reduce charges significantly for end users.
Q: If the development of Wi-Fi infrastructure was left to the private sector rather than government, would we be likely to progress faster?
A: The big question is whether the government is willing to take the lead. Many different problems are involved in setting up citywide Wi-Fi, such as how do we build a network that will be easily accessible everywhere? And, who will pay the cost of setting up such a system? These are just two of the major issues to be faced. However, WTIA believes that by introducing more Wi-Fi hotspots, private sector IT companies will place pressure on the government to build better platforms that firms can then promote publicly.
Q: What are the concerns or difficulties involved in implementing citywide Wi-Fi?
A: The biggest issue in developing a VoWLAN-enabled citywide Wi-Fi network is the possible impact on mobile service providers. That said, VoWLAN-enabled networks are not easy to establish. Ultimately, such a network is unlikely to replace existing mobile services because VoWLAN users have to interrupt calls to logon and off the network every time they move between hotspots - but if VoWLAN can resolve the problem, it will become one of the key applications in citywide Wi-Fi networks all over the world.
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