Deputy Government Chief Information Officer Stephen Mak has hailed lawmakers' funding approval of $217.6 million for providing Wi-Fi facilities at Government premises for free public use.

At present, the provision of wireless Internet services at the metropolitan level is driven by the market. Commercial service providers are offering Wi-Fi services at commercial premises such as cafe, restaurants and shopping malls.

Mr Mak said through the programme and in concert with other Wi-Fi initiatives in the private sector, ubiquitous access to the Internet will progressively be made available in all built-up areas here.

Under the programme, Wi-Fi facilities will be provided at about 350 government premises for free use by the public in the coming two years. Priority sites will be set up at premises frequently visited by the public - including libraries, public enquiry service centres, community halls and centres, parks and Government buildings - by mid-2008.

Office of the Government Chief Information Officer will centrally oversee, co-ordinate and manage the programme while the installation of Wi-Fi facilities, provision of Wi-Fi services and their on-going operations will be outsourced.

Security requirements

To address concern over the information security of the Wi-Fi network, security requirements will be specified in the tender document to ensure contracted service providers offer the necessary hardware, software and technology.

Service providers will also be required to provide various security measures, such as encryption, intrusion prevention and detection systems and filtering software, to ensure user data is not stolen.

Security consultants will be engaged to perform risk assessments on the Wi-Fi network designs, and conduct security audits after the networks have been put into operation.

Health check

With regard to concern over possible impact on health, Mr Mak said Office of the Telecommunications Authority has adopted the International Commission of Non-Ionising Radiation Protection Guidelines to limit exposure to non-ionising radiation.

"As Wi-Fi belongs to the non-ionising radiation category, when implementing the Wi-Fi facilities in the Government premises, we will follow the Code of Practice for the Protection of Workers & Members of the Public Against Non-Ionising Radiation Hazards from Radio Transmitting Equipment from OFTA, use devices of appropriate power, and operate at a suitable distance," Mr Mak said.