Digital Concierge for you?

Stephen Tong | Jun 20, 2007

CommunicAsia 2007 saw the pilot launch of the Digital Concierge service that is a joint project of Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB). In a nutshell, detailed information on Singapore landmarks such as hotels, shops and places of worship can be conveniently made available through a mobile phone.

To summarize the information that Digital Concierge provides, users can have access to on-the-go directory searching, location maps, daily news, currency conversion and weather reports. Other options that are expected in the near future will include assisted taxi/event booking, traveler recommendations on items such as food, and location-based services such as shopping offers. This service clearly targets tourists who may be clueless as to where to roam around, although locals might find this useful to sussing out parts of Singapore they have not visited.

The platform, which is developed by a group led by Frontline and The Cell City, currently supports only selected mobile devices such as the Sony Ericsson K800i and Nokia N73, but more models are expected to added to the list. Data is transmitted via 3G, GPRS or Wireless@SG networks which basically provides 512kbps Wi-Fi Internet access in selected areas within Singapore.

The event kicks off Digital Concierge's pilot run where users can register and test the platform. It is expected to launch islandwide by 2008. Registration is free and charges will apply upon 3G and GPRS usage. Should people use Wireless@SG, then the service will essentially be free of charge. But, of course, don't forget to get a phone with Wi-Fi support.

More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.