I came across this website today which is under the Ministry of Energy, Water, and Communication of Malaysia, MyBroadband.
To cut the story short, you can find free wifi spots around the island of Penang and Seberang Jaya through this website which is initiated by the ministry. Most importantly, it is free. There are more than 120 wifi spots listed under the website at the moment which is made possible by the collaboration of the government, local community, and the Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
On the other hand, there is a plan called Penang i-Land 2010 Masterplan where it is aimed to make Penang a fully connected island by year 2010.
Updated: News pick from theSun local press 21 January 2008
Update 19 Sept 2008: News Release
Update 23 Sept 2008: News Release
Update 15 Oct 2008: Get your account for free now!
Penang/Kulim free WiFi service initiated by Penang state government is up and running…
Visit http://www.mybroadband.gov.my to register a new account for free, then you can use the internet service at those designated places in Penang
The list of places that provide free WI-FI service are stated on www.mybroadband.gov.my
FAQ (Source):
1. What is MyBroadband?
MyBroadband is an Internet broadband service initiated by KTAK, SKMM and State Government to promote and penetrate Internet awareness and usage at Pulau Pinang & Kulim area.
2. What is the SSID for MyBroadband?
The SSID for MyBroadband service is ‘MyBroadband’
3. Where can customer get all the information on MyBroadband and MyBroadband hotspot coverage area?
Customer can visit http://www.mybroadband.gov.my to get all the informations on MyBroadband including hotspot areas under MyBroadband.
4. What is the price of subscribing to MyBroadband account?
MyBroadband account registration is absolutely free of charge. Customer just need to register at http://www.mybroadband.gov.my/registration.php
5. What is the support number to call for any complaints on MyBroadband sites/login id and password ?
MyBroadband customers need to call ‘100’ and select ‘2’ for English, then ‘2’ for Internet Services and then ‘1’ for Technical Assistance. Customers to indicate Name, Contact No, email address, MyBroadband login id/username and nature of the problems upon submitting the complaints
6. Is there an email address for MyBroadband customers to email complaints?
MyBroadband customers can e-mail to help@tm.com.my for any complaints on MyBroadband issues. Customers to indicate Name, Contact No, email address, MyBroadband login id/username and nature of the problems upon submitting the complaints.
7. Can existing TM Streamyx Hotspot customers use the same username & password to login to MyBroadband hotspot sites?
No, existing TM Streamyx Hotspot customers cannot use the same username & password to login to MyBroadband hotspot sites. But they still can login using existing TM Streamyx Hotspot username & password to the Internet by choosing ‘Streamyx Hotspot’ button from MyBroadband landing page.
8. Is there any signage indicatioRnE fNorT AMLyBroadband Hotspot sites?
Yes, customer need to search for MyBroadband stickers to find the hotspot locations which is located scatted around Pulau Pinang & Kulim area.
9. Is there any specific command for customer to end the browsing session?
Yes, in order to end the browsing session customer can either click ‘Logout’ button at the pop-up menu or just type ‘ap.logout’.
Update 6 Nov 2008: Free Wifi, Not myBroadband this time
I’ve found a compilation on outlets that offer free wifi to its customers but not under this goverment initiated package though. You can check their listing here at wok.com.my
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