SMRT to run free Wi-Fi trials on 2 buses

SINGAPORE - Public transport company SMRT has begun a WiFi-On-The-Go trial in two of its buses on the 176 service as part of a trial.

Commuters in these WiFi-enabled buses can go online by connecting to the Wireless@SG network on their smart devices.

The buses are connected to M1's 4G+ network through an intelligent in-vehicle unit that boosts the bandwidth available to the on-board wireless network.

By the end of April, M1 customers will also be able to use the M1WiFi service, with download speeds over ten times faster than on Wireless@SG. These customers will be able to seamlessly connect to the WiFi-On-The-Go service before, during and after their journey, to prevent uninterrupted streaming of content.

The Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) trials are held in collaboration with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), and will test the network's capabilities in providing pervasive and seamless connectivity in a real-life setting.

"Beyond the trials, we look forward to working closer with companies in the tech, engineering and R&D space to develop solutions that can meet pressing connectivity challenges," Mr Khoong Hock Yun, assistant chief executive of IDA said.

Vice President of SMRT Buses Mr Tan Kian Heong said that the service could be extended fleet-wide if the trial is successful.

ljessica@sph.com.sg