In Singapore, Starbucks has no plans to install power sockets, never mind wireless access to the Net. Some chains of caf s are going in the other direction. Michael de Jong, general manager of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf chain, says his branches were aiming for a more relaxed ambiance with sofas and comfy chairs, but would consider installing wireless technology if there was demand. He did tell me, however, that his company has no rules against using computers or power sockets and that he would instruct his branch managers not to evict computer users in future. The resistance in Singapore makes me wonder whether the people have the same commitment to keeping up with technological change as the government does.
Some tense times are ahead.
Mobile Internet links are going to break down barriers between workspace and places of leisure in ways that will make people have to reconsider where it's appropriate to work or not. But until someone comes up with a battery that doesn't fade out five minutes after you start working, he who controls the power socket holds all the cards. Robert Templer is a freelance writer based in Singapore Prev. Review Publishing Company Limited, Hong Kong. All rights reserved.