SINGAPORE, 23 March 2015 – M1 Limited (M1) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) today announced a partnership 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 Memorandum of Understanding (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 S$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. Today, we are pleased to offer shipping companies and their staff, as well as visitors to Singapore’s Southern Islands, the best mobile experience,” said Mr Willis Sim, Director, Product Development and Corporate Solutions, M1.

 

“Throughout our trial, we received highly positive feedback from shipping companies and crew from M1’s enhanced 4G network. To provide an even better customer experience, I am pleased to launch the M1 Corporate Data Pooling Plan, offering companies a more flexible and generous data bundle to share among users,” added Mr Sim.

 

“MPA is delighted to collaborate with M1 to harness its strengths and expertise in infocommunications and mobile technology,” said Mr Toh Ah Cheong, Director (Technology) 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. We are excited with this collaboration that will not only enhance business operations and productivity, but greatly benefit the maritime community and general public.”

 

M1’s Corporate Data Pooling Plans offer corporate customers 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 at highly attractive rates. The service will be made available to other corporate segments progressively. M1 was the first operator to introduce voice sharing plans, through the well-received TalkShare plans, in 2007. 

 

For information on M1’s business offerings, please visit www.m1.com.sg/maritime

< End of release>

 

Jointly issued by M1 and MPA

 

M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to close to 2 million customers. Established in 1997, M1 achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN). With a continual focus on network quality, customer service, value and innovation, M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg.

 

 

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.  

 

 

For more information, please contact:

Chua Hian Hou                                                                       Serene Liu
Assistant General Manager                                                  Manager
Corporate Communications                                                 Corporate Communications
M1 Limited                                                                             Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
DID      :          (65) 6655 1725                                              DID     :           (65) 6375 1789
HP        :           (65) 9690 7482                                             HP       :           (65) 9824 6525
E-mail  :           hianhouc@m1.com.sg                                   E-mail :           serene_liu@mpa.gov.sg