With the city’s broadband wireless infrastructure developing rapidly, Hong Kong is making headway towards becoming a ubiquitous computing society, said Acting Government Chief Information Officer, Mr. Stephen Mak.

Speaking at the “Ubiquitous City - Asia Forum 2008” on October 31, 2008, Mr. Mak said free Wi-Fi broadband services are now available at some 200 government premises and 150 public rental housing estates. These services are available through the Government’s GovWiFi Program and the Housing Authority’s Wi-Fi initiative. The number of government premises with free Wi-Fi access will reach 350 by the middle of 2009.

“Together with the Wi-Fi networks of telecommunications operators, the public is able to access Wi-Fi broadband services in over 7,300 Wi-Fi hotspots all over Hong Kong,” he said.

Mr. Mak said that with the increasingly wide coverage of wireless broadband infrastructure and technology convergence of communications and information technology, there are great business opportunities for delivery of new content and services through the wireless channel.

Many value-added services such as multimedia, video and music streaming, instant messaging and other innovative, transactional services are being planned or delivered by telecommunications operators to ride on the infrastructure.

“The Government is fully aware of such developments and has been making use of the mobile and wireless channel to enhance service delivery,” said Mr. Mak.

Mr. Mak cited the Transport Information System launched by the Transport Department in July this year. The system enables road users to make use of mobile devices to view the traffic conditions at designated regions, snapshots of various traffic points and the estimated journey times of major transport routes, and make better and more informed choices on their transport needs. It also creates an environment for the private sector to develop value-added services in Hong Kong.

In addition to establishing the physical, institutional and legal infrastructure in Hong Kong, the availability of wireless applications, services and digital content is critical to the development of a wireless city.

Mr. Mak said the Government has been providing funding and sponsorship to academia and supporting organizations on research and development of wireless and mobile technology and solutions.