Maritime WiMAX Network Launched in Singapore

Singapore has launched a maritime WiMAX network which will offer mobile internet access to ships in the Port of Singapore and up to 15km from Singapore's southern coastline. The WIreless-broadband-access for SEaPort, or WISEPORT, project is the first project to be launched under the Infocomm@SeaPort Programme - a three-year S$12 million joint initiative by the port authorities (MPA) and telecoms regulator (IDA) to promote the use of infocomm technologies in the port and maritime community.

Since it was announced last September, shipyards and marine engineering companies, shipping lines, terminal operators, technology companies and government agencies have expressed interest to participate in the WISEPORT project.

Commenting on the strong interest from the maritime community, Chief Executive of MPA, BG(NS) Tay Lim Heng, said, "We are very pleased with the interest and industry support for the WISEPORT project. WISEPORT will greatly enhance communications and operational efficiencies, as well as facilitate the development of new businesses. This strengthens the overall pro-enterprise environment of our maritime sector. The MPA will continue to partner the industry, as well as various maritime stakeholders, to develop and implement new initiatives to further Singapore's growth as a global hub port and maritime centre."

QMax is the appointed operator for the WISEPORT services. Over the past few months, QMax has been working with the MPA and IDA to finalise the project based on feedback from the maritime community. More than 250 accounts have been subscribed to, even before the official launch of WISEPORT. MPA, IDA and QMax will continue to work closely with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) and Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI) to further reach out to the maritime community.

QMax is offering free 512kbps unlimited data access plan during the first year of the WISEPORT launch. Subscribers to this special package will each receive a thumbdrive-sized WiMAX modem which can be used to access wireless broadband anywhere from the southern port waters and offshore islands to mainland Singapore (currently limited to coastal areas such as Tuas, Jurong, Pasir Panjang and Tanjong Pagar).

Posted to the site on 6th March 2008