With a population attuned to the latest technologies, the Government sees great potential in applying mobile technology to the delivery of government information and services. Here are the government vision and a few examples of the initiatives undertaken by different government entities.
The m-Government Vision
The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone in Hong Kong benefits from the latest developments in mobile technology. With support from the Government, the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association has established a wireless development centre to promote the development, testing and marketing of innovative applications and services.
The Government Wi-Fi Programme (GovWiFi) is one of the major government initiatives to build Hong Kong into a wireless city. Free wireless Internet access services are provided to citizens by installing Wi-Fi facilities at designated government premises throughout all 18 districts in Hong Kong. These premises include public libraries, public enquiry service centres, sports centres, cultural and recreational centres, cooked food markets and cooked food centres, job centres, community halls, major parks and government buildings and offices.
- More on Government Wi-Fi Programme (GovWiFi) http://www.gov.hk/en/theme/wifi/program/index.htm
In its own service delivery, the Government now provides a range of information for users of mobile devices, covering traffic, weather, air pollution index and news, etc. Some examples of popular government information available to people on the go are outlined below.
GovHK Mobile/Accessible Version
Look up public information anywhere with your mobile device! The GovHK Mobile/Accessible Version provides the comprehensive content of GovHK in an optimised size and format suitable for viewing by a mobile device. You can keep up on the latest weather and traffic information and government news, as well as accessing other public information you need while on the move.
- GovHK Mobile/Accessible Version http://m.www.gov.hk/en/residents/
Live Traffic Information for PDAs
The Transport Department provides live traffic information through a PDA website, with minimal use of text and graphics for quick loading. The site provides:
- Warnings about events that are causing trouble to traffic;
- Information on temporary traffic and transport arrangements;
- Estimated cross-harbour journey time; and
- CCTV snapshots of current traffic condition.
With this information at your fingertips, you can now plan your driving with ease.
- PDA website for traffic information http://pda.td.gov.hk/en/home/index.html
Real-Time Weather Information for PDAs
For people interested in keeping track of local and regional weather, the Hong Kong Observatory offers a wealth of information on its PDA website, including:
- Local weather warnings, including typhoon signals;
- Comprehensive reports on regional weather in Hong Kong; and
- Local, mainland China and major world city weather forecasts;
The site also provides an email link for suggestions, so you can tell the Observatory your opinion and what information benefits you the most.
- PDA website for weather information http://pda.hko.gov.hk/maine.htm
Environment and Air Pollution Information for PDAs
Besides news releases and updates on initiatives, the PDA website of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) provides the latest water quality gradings of bathing beaches and Air Pollution Index (API) readings from the roadside and general air quality monitoring stations.
- PDA website for environmental and pollution information http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/pda/index.html
Government News and Press Releases for PDAs
Through the PDA version of its news.gov.hk website, the Government provides news for people on the move. You can download the latest information when you need it, or learn how to synchronise the site and your PDA so that you can read the stories at your leisure.
- More on downloading news and press releases to your PDA http://www.news.gov.hk/en/pdainstruction.htm
Last review date: March 2010
