M1 and Singapore port authority to bring 4G to maritime community
By Digital News Asia March 25, 2015
- Corporate data pooling plan to enhance productivity and crew welfare
- R&D and testbed projects to enhance broadband coverage in Singapore port waters
M1 Limited (M1) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have announced a partnership to help the maritime community leverage on mobile technology to enhance productivity and crew welfare.
The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 23 at the launch event for Building a Smarter Port of Singapore, organised by the MPA, they said in a joint statement.
As part of the MoU, M1 and the MPA will promote the adoption of Fourth Generation (4G) mobile broadband for vessels operating within Singapore’s port waters.
They will also work together on research and projects for test-bedding of new technologies that will further enhance the network coverage in the port waters and benefit the Singapore maritime community, M1 and the MPA said.
“M1 has invested over S$1.6 billion (US$1.16 billion) in our mobile networks since our inception,” said Willis Sim, director of Product Development and Corporate Solutions at M1.
“Over the last 12 months, we invested a further S$10 million (US$7.28 million) and worked with the MPA to identify and resolve any coverage gaps, and to enhance the mobile coverage along Singapore’s coastal waters and offshore islands.
“Today, we are pleased to offer shipping companies and their staff, as well as visitors to Singapore’s Southern Islands, the best mobile experience,” he added.
M1 also launched its Corporate Data Pooling Plan, which it said offers companies the flexibility of a shared mobile data bundle of up to 100GB, usable among authorised employees through 4G dongles or handsets, and are available immediately to ships visiting Singapore port and the local harbour craft.
The service will be made available to other corporate segments progressively. M1 said it was the first operator in Singapore to introduce voice sharing plans, through the well-received TalkShare plans, in 2007.
“MPA is delighted to collaborate with M1 to harness its strengths and expertise in infocommunications and mobile technology,” said Toh Ah Cheong, director of technology at the MPA.
“MPA has been working with M1 on a pilot trial to provide 4G broadband coverage in our port waters since 2013, and we are very encouraged by the success of the pilot trial.” He added.
For information on M1’s business offerings, visit www.m1.com.sg/maritime.
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