PCCW, Hutchison compete for Wi-Fi users

Sep. 16, 2008 (China Knowledge) - PCCW<8> and Hutchison Telecommunications<2332> (Hong Kong), the city's leading 3G service providers, have been actively involved in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) internet service offerings to satisfy rising demand for wireless broadband internet services from smart-phone and notebook computer users, the South China Morning Post reported.

PCCW, the city's largest Wi-Fi hot spot operator, is expanding its wireless service on airport express trains, which enables its subscribers to access Wi-Fi services on the train during their journey. In addition, PCCW has also upgraded its existing Wi-Fi hot spots to ensure Wi-Fi users to enjoy faster internet access services.

Meanwhile, Hutchison Telecommunications, which had chosen to promote 3.5G mobile broadband services based on the mobile network rather than the Wi-Fi function, announced last week it would provide free Wi-Fi internet services to all iPhone 3G users who register for the service through the text messaging system.

Reportedly, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government had launched public Wi-Fi program on March to give free access to hotspots, which was expected to promote the city's competitiveness.

The GovWiFi program, which would cover libraries, government offices, job centers, public inquiry centers, sports, cultural and recreation centers, community centers and parks, had provided the wireless Internet with free access into more than 30 government buildings.