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Google Wifi brings cheaper mesh networking to Asia

The mesh network system is headed to Singapore and Hong Kong after its launch late last year in the US.

Aloysius Low Senior Editor
Aloysius Low is a Senior Editor at CNET covering mobile and Asia. Based in Singapore, he loves playing Dota 2 when he can spare the time and is also the owner-minion of two adorable cats.
Aloysius Low
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Apartments in Singapore and Hong Kong tend to be small but their thick concrete walls aren't good for Wi-Fi signals. So the recent arrival of home mesh Wi-Fi systems has been a godsend.

Following the availability of systems such as Netgear Orbi and Linksys Velop, Google's cheaper  Wifi  system is now available in both sunny Singapore and busy Hong Kong.

The system is exclusive to people who sign up with Singapore carrier Starhub and Hong Kong's HKT. The carrier tie-ups mean users won't be able to get Google Wifi off the shelf or through the company's online store, which is a shame as users from both countries are likely to want a cheap but good Wi-Fi mesh system. 

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Mesh systems use boxes throughout a house to ensure the signal reaches every room.

Besides mesh connectivity, Google Wifi also lets parents keep their kids off of the internet during certain time periods. It also comes with automatic security updates. Be sure to read CNET's review to get the full lowdown. And keep checking CNET for details on rollouts to other Asian countries.

Locating local internet providers

Update, Aug. 30: This post has been updated with information about availability in Hong Kong.

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