GovWiFi aims to provide free and convenient Wi-Fi Internet access to the general public of Hong Kong. No user registration is required and a 7x24 Helpdesk Hotline (186 111) service is provided to facilitate the general public in using the GovWiFi. To connect to the government Wi-Fi facilities, you need a Wi-Fi device that is compatible to IEEE 802.11 b/g standards. You are advised to use the encrypted connection (WPA/WPA2 encryption) in order to enjoy better privacy protection. You may use the unencrypted connection for transmitting non-sensitive information or general web browsing. Please also note that some mobile devices may switch between Wi-Fi and other mobile data services such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or 3G automatically to connect to the Internet depending on signal strength. You can consider turning off the automatic connection feature to avoid being charged unintentionally. Moreover, to ensure fair use and maintain reasonable performance, there are timeout control and bandwidth control for each connection. When you start using the GovWiFi service, you should carefully read the "Conditions of Use and Disclaimers" (the Conditions) and accept the conditions before enjoying free surfing.

How to use free GovWiFi at government premises

1. Get a Wi-Fi enabled mobile device that is compatible with IEEE 802.11 b/g standards
2. Find out the GovWiFi locations near to you through our GovWiFi Locator or visit any government premises with the GovWiFi signage
   
3. Ready your Wi-Fi connection
4. Set the Network ID (SSID) to "freegovwifi-e"^Note and click "Connect"
5. Input user name: "govwifi" and password: "govwifi" for encrypted connection
6. Open your web browser and accept "Conditions of Use and Disclaimers"
7. Start free surfing at GovWiFi locations

Verify Service
You can verify that you are connecting to the GovWiFi service by clicking "Verify Service" in the GovWiFi landing page. Please check that a closed lock icon (  ) is shown on the browser, and verify that the certificate is issued by "Hongkong Post e-Cert CA 1" to the domain "ecert.wifi.gov.hk

Auto-switching of Internet Access Connection
Some mobile devices would automatically switch the Internet access connection between GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) / 3G and Wi-Fi service depending on signal strength. If there are more than one wireless or mobile services available, the one with the strongest signal may be connected. To avoid being charged unintentionally due to automatic switching to GPRS/3G service while using GovWiFi service, please configure your mobile device by:

Also, the signal strength of GovWiFi in the location may vary at different spots. Some less powerful mobile devices may have a weak connection at some spots. Please move to areas with stronger Wi-Fi signal in order to have a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Note:
There is security risk in using unencrypted connection "freegovwifi". Please use the encrypted connection "freegovwifi-e" if your Wi-Fi device supports IEEE 802.1x and WPA-Enterprise (or WPA2-Enterprise).
If your device cannot support IEEE 802.1x and WPA-Enterprise / WPA2-Enterprise and you just want to transmit non-sensitive information or use for general browsing, you may set the Network ID (SSID) to "freegovwifi". Then you may click "Connect" and go to step 6.

System Requirement

Hardware:

• IEEE 802.11b/g Wi-Fi compatible wireless device

Operating System:

• Microsoft Windows based operating systems such as Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP (Service Pack 2), Windows Vista
• Mac OS based operating systems such as Mac OS X
• Palm OS 5 or above
• Windows Mobile 5.0 or above

(The system requirement provided is for information only. You may check the user manual of your device or consult your shop for more details or other operating systems.)

Some tips in using the service:

Dos:

• Ensure that adequate security measures have been implemented on your Wi-Fi devices to protect your equipment against virus and attacks from other Wi-Fi users or from the Internet.
• Observe the conditions of use including the specific rules at individual premises.
• Comply with all applicable laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Don'ts:

• Access illegal gambling websites or websites with indecent and/or obscene materials.
• Transfer, upload or download unauthorised data, software or works that infringe the copyrights or Intellectual Property Rights of any parties.
• Perform improper or illegal activities such as propagating computer virus intentionally, sending spam emails, and launching attacks to other Internet users and/or websites.
• Monopolise or overload the Wi-Fi networks.

Setup Guide: