Surfing on Internet highways using the free island-wide public Wi-Fi network will be revved up from next month as Wireless@SG access speeds are set to double.

Access speeds will jump from 1Mbps to a maximum 2Mbps, allowing its subscribers to better stream online videos or make Internet calls on their devices, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) revealed on Friday.

"IDA will enhance our national wireless infrastructure by expanding the capacity and speed of Wireless@SG," Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim said on Friday during the debate on the Budget of the Ministry of Communications and Information.

In the deployment of the next phase of Wireless@SG programme from Apr 2013 to March 2017, mobile operator Starhub and international WiFi provider Y5ZONE will join SingTel and M1 in providing the free wireless Internet service - bringing the total number of operators from three to four.

The IDA said it is still evaluating the current provider iCELL's proposal to operate in the next phase.

Aside from faster speeds, Dr Yaacob also said that the login process for Wireless@SG will be simplified through a new system that automatically recognises users by the identification details in their 3G SIM cards - without requiring registration and signing in to access Wireless@SG.

This will be in place by April next year, the IDA said.

"Instead of having to repeatedly enter one's login information, the improved Wiress@SG will be able to recognise registered users through the SIM cards in the mobile devices," said Dr Yaacob.

"This will complement our mobile networks and allow subscribers to more seamlessly shift from 3G/4G networks to Wireless@SG," he added.