WiFi (or y5) in Hong Kong

Originally posted: October 12, 2008 @ 10.31 pm (one update below)

You hear about how Asia is more progressive about technology than the US. It's definitely true about cell phones with everybody sporting cell phones on the streets, and store after store carrying whatever new phones that have just been introduced (iPhone, Blackberry Bold anyone? Notice that you can't select the United States for the Blackberry Bold as of the date of this entry).

Government WiFi
The US had been trying to create city-wide wireless, but all these plans ran into monetary problems and have now been dropped. Hong Kong, on the other hand, has set up a free wireless service in certain locations. I actually went to a spot to test it out over the weekend and was able to get it to work. The thing is, there are two wireless networks that show up: "freegovwifi" and "freegovwifi-e". Turns out the difference is that the first is unencrypted and not recommended. You should use the latter one, which encrypts the traffic. To use the better one, the username and password is both "govwifi". For further details you can go here.
Network SSID: freegovwifi-e

My goal is to list the other sources of WiFi that I come across so this entry will be updated from time to time.

Three WiFi
As part of my cell phone I get free WiFi through Three. However, I find the service to be a bit spotty and unreliable. Plus it doesn't seem to be around all that much. For those hoping to use an iPod Touch to get around without cell phone service, don't count on this....
Network SSID: 3HKWi-FiService

PCCW WiFi
On the other hand, I see a lot of hotspots for PCCW throughout the city. On their website it looks like you can get unlimited WiFi access for less than $160 HKD/month.
Network SSID: PCCW

Other Free WiFi Spots
updated November 15, 2008
PCCW provides free wireless at the Hong Kong Airport. The standard option is just the "Free WiFi" or "PCCW" network. However, you can configure your computer (note: link only works when you're connected to the PCCW network) to access the secure network (which is better). Those networks are "Free WiFi1x" or "PCCW1x", both should work in the same way. The login and password for the secure network is "pccw" for both login and password.
Network SSIDs: Free WiFi, Free WiFi1x, PCCW, PCCW1x

At Harbour City Mall (海港城) in Tsim Sha Tsui, there's free wifi provided by i-cable.
Network SSID: i-cable

Update #1: October 22, 2008
Hongkong Land provides free wi-fi in its Central buildings. It looks like the conditions of the free wi-fi is that you are allowed only five connections for 30 minutes per day. You can access it in each of the following buildings: Chater House, Landmark, Prince's Building, Alexendra House, Exchange Square, and Jardine House.
Network SSIDs: HKL-CH, HKL-LM, HKL-PB, HKL-AH, HKL-ES, and HKL-JH



Separately, the International Finance Centre (IFC) has free wi-fi for 45 continuous minutes according to the acceptance page (details unavailable until you try to access through the network).
Network SSID: IFC -- more --

Wireless@SG

Previously, I noted that HK was putting in to place a city-wide wireless network. Well, it looks like Singapore is doing it one better.



As you've probably guessed, I'm typing away from Singapore Changi International Airport on their free WiFi. The best part is that it is actually island-wide and not just in the airport. From the looks of it, the three major telecom companies in Singapore: iCELL, QMax, and SingTel got together and set up the network. To sign up you either have to receive an SMS text message on your cell phone (romaing charges apply, etc.) or sign up at some information desk (according to the FAQ).
Network SSID: Wireless@SG

You can register through this page or through the carrier links in the preceding paragraph. You can sign up online by connecting to the network Wireless@SG. Once there, fire up your browser and go through the sign up process. Or if you've set it up beforehand, just go ahead and log in.

From the looks of it, they offer free basic 512 Kbps service, but I've already noticed some slight differences. I like iCELL's setup much better as one of their webpages has a "remember me" feature, which is much more useful. Also, I had trouble registering with SingTel as it required me to put in a Singapore address, which I didn't have. I guess I could have put the hotel down, but that seemed silly. (Note, according to the FAQ, you do NOT have to be a Singapore resident to set up an account.) Also, when I tried to sign on to the SingTel network with my iCELL account, it said it was incorrect. However, I've been able to use it elsewhere, so go figure.

Anyway, this should be very useful for the casual wifi user in Singapore. I've noticed that it seems to be in most of the popular shopping malls, outdoor areas, and, of course, the airport. -- more --