MPA and M1 sign memorandum for mobile technology on port waters

SINGAPORE - The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local telco M1 to help the maritime community leverage on mobile technology to enhance productivity and crew welfare.

M1 Chief Executive Officer, Ms Karen Kooi and MPA Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Tan signed the MOU today at the launch event for Building a Smarter Port of Singapore, organised by MPA.

As part of the MOU, the two organisations will promote the adoption of fourth generation mobile telecommunications technology (4G) 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 has invested over $1.6 billion in our mobile networks since our inception. Over the last 12 months, we invested a further S$10 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," Mr Willis Sim, Director of Product Development and Corporate Solutions at M1 said.

M1 said it is launching the Corporate Data Pooling Plan, which will provide a more flexible and generous data bundle to share among users.

Director (Technology) at MPA Mr Toh Ah Cheong said that the authority has been working with M1 on a pilot trial to provide 4G broadband coverage in port waters since 2013 and that the pilot trial was successful.

Shared mobile data bundles of up to 100GB will be offered. These will be usable among authorised employees through 4G dongles or handsets, and are available immediately to ships visiting Singapore port and the local harbour craft.

ljessica@sph.com.sg