Did you access an internet regularly while traveling abroad? Probably, yes. Most of the time, travelers would want to access the internet when arriving to any particular destination. Not so long ago, travelers will normally want to send or read emails, or simply browsing the internet for information. But today’s travelers need the internet more than ever to update blogs, upload photos, tweet, or update Facebook status while traveling. One way to stay connected while traveling is by subscribing 3G service with your phone network provider. However, it’s very easy to get caught off guard with the high costs involved in staying connected while on the road. The problem with 3G access points is that they come with expensive monthly charges, especially when you’re on roaming mode. For that reason, it’s wise to find a free local wi-fi connection whenever and wherever it is available.
So if your next travel destination is Kuala Lumpur (or popularly known as KL), Malaysia, rest assured because staying connected while traveling here is easier than ever, and it’s FREE. This free wireless broadband is known as WirelessKL. Though the 512Kbps is nothing to shout about, the connection speed is good enough to do your common, non-bandwidth hungry internet activities. And more importantly, it’s available almost anywhere in Kuala Lumpur.
WirelessKL is an initiative by it’s city hall and various partners in the country. The spirit behind this is to keep it’s citizens and visitors connected all the time, wherever they may be in the city. According to WirelessKL website, there are currently some 1,500 wi-fi access points implanted throughout KL’s commercial areas, tourist attractions, residential and public areas etc and they’re still expanding the coverage. I even found the WirelessKL modem installed in my favourite Mamak hangouts that I’ve visited lately. So happy that now I can turn off my 3G and enjoy the free wi-fi while sipping my favourite ‘teh tarik!
How To Use It
Easy! What you need to do is just register online to create a free account. Click here to register now. The next
thing to do is just activate and set your device (mobile phone, smart phone, laptop) to automatically detect a wi-fi connection. While wandering through the city, your device will show ‘WirelessKL’ wi-fi signal as soon as it ‘smells’ the WirelessKL connection. The picture below shows how it looks like in my iPhone.
Once your device shows the WirelessKL signal, just select to start using it. You’ll be prompted with a simple login screen. Key in your login ID and password obtained during the registration. And Voilla! You’re now ready to check emails for free!
Other important information about WirelessKL: The service is free for 2 years period. It works well for a tourist like you but for a citizen like me, the free usage period will soon be over. And if you feel 512kbps connection is too slow, you have an option to get bigger bandwidth with extra payment.
Do you know any other cities in the world that offered free wireless broadband? Please share in the comments below.
wow this is cool..
will check it out when im in KL next time =)
I think Penang also got a similar service – WirelessPenang, but I never had a chance to test it out. Would it be good if all other major city in Malaysia (JB, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Melaka, Ipoh) all have the same service.. thnx for the tip
Very good news!! I will keep this link so I remember!
Hi travelbyterry,
Thanks for doing that. I’ve been using the service for almost 2 years now..
tried that thru my friend’s ipod. register boleh. tapi nak bukak email tak boleh. memang lain kali la gamaknye nak surfing tengah bandar. heu heu heu
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Hi Shahid,
Tak pernah pulak kena problem tu. I did both web surfing and emailing using this service. so far so good.
yeah, maybe you can try next time you’re in KL.