Google, HKT launch advanced home Wi-fi system in Hong Kong
Wide availability of Google Wifi technology expected to help drive adoption of more ‘smart home technologies’ across the city
Internet powerhouse Google has teamed up with HKT, Hong Kong’s largest telecommunications network operator, to introduce its advanced mesh Wi-fi technology to the city’s residential sector, marking the initial launch of the advanced home router system in Asia.
The Google Wifi system, which was first launched in the United States in December last year, is touted to eliminate so-called dead zones for Wi-fi in homes with its high-powered, seamless network coverage.
“Combined with our [optical] fibre-rich broadband network and expertise in home networking consultancy, Google Wifi can bring to customers ... blanket coverage of the entire home regardless of its size and configuration,” said Ringo Ng, the managing director for consumer business at HKT.
Walls and distance typically make it difficult for a single router to send a strong signal to every room in a flat, which can result in slow Wi-fi connection and dead zones.
With Google Wifi, users can place multiple Wi-fi “points” in different rooms to establish a strong signal in every corner of a flat to enable simultaneous streaming, downloading and gaming in multiple rooms.