Follow Singapore Investment Immigration to stay updated on life in Singapore. The Land Transport Authority will begin a trial of free wireless internet services at certain subway stations on the North East Line and some high-traffic transfer stations starting next year, aiming to enhance the communication experience for passengers.
The authorities announced this plan in the comprehensive land transport development blueprint released last week. A spokesperson for the Land Transport Authority stated in response to our inquiry that the agency will test the feasibility of providing free wireless internet (Wi-Fi) services at underground subway stations to improve the wireless communication experience for passengers while waiting. In other words, passengers will only be able to use the free wireless internet service within the subway stations, such as on the platforms, and not while on the train.
According to reports, this Wi-Fi service may be built on the existing "Wireless@SG" framework in Singapore. This means that the authorities could collaborate with the service providers of Wireless@SG to launch free wireless internet services at underground subway stations.
Currently, there are 5,200 Wireless@SG hotspots across more than 1,600 locations throughout Singapore, including a few stores located in underground subway stations, such as the TCC restaurant at Raffles Place station. The current internet speed can reach up to 2 megabits per second (Mbps).
Experts interviewed indicated that if the Land Transport Authority authorizes the use of existing Wireless@SG facilities, the trial plan would not be difficult to implement. The costs associated with the trial plan would depend on factors such as the coverage area and network bandwidth.
Dr. Lu Cailu, an associate professor in the Department of Communications Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, stated: "The challenge of providing free wireless internet services at underground subway stations lies in the need for signals to penetrate various obstacles such as floors, coupled with high passenger volumes during peak hours, which can weaken signal strength. If the Land Transport Authority wants to ensure a satisfactory internet experience, it will need to establish more access points at each station, which would increase costs."
On the other hand, the Land Transport Authority may also follow the examples of Hong Kong and Tokyo, where free wireless internet services are provided at subway stations, by limiting the internet usage time and frequency for passengers to prevent abuse of the service and to avoid overcrowding at subway stations.
For instance, in the subways of Hong Kong and Tokyo, local passengers can use the free wireless internet service up to five times a day at all underground subway stations, with a maximum duration of 15 minutes per session. Passengers must apply for an account and log in to use the wireless internet service.
Dr. Lu Cailu said: "If there are many passengers at the subway station wanting to use the free wireless internet service, the authorities could limit the internet usage time or the amount of data sent and received by each passenger to ensure that everyone can access this service."
