M1, IDA launch trial Wi-Fi service for public buses
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The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and M1 have launched a trial Wi-Fi service for public buses.
Commuters on selected SMRT Service 176 buses can now use Singapore’s first WiFi-On-The-Go service, as part of the heterogeneous network (HetNet) trials.
The HetNet Trials are meant to validate advanced telecommunication technologies, and a network’s capabilities in providing pervasive and seamless connectivity in a real-life setting.
Each connected bus is linked to M1’s 4G+ network through an intelligent in-vehicle unit that boosts the bandwidth available to the on-board wireless network.
Commuters on the buses, a trunk route service linking Bukit Merah Interchange and Bukit Panjang Temporary Bus Park can go online by connecting to the “Wireless@SG” network on their smart devices. Commuters will be able to identify the two WiFi-enabled buses through on-board signages highlighting the service.
M1’s carrier WiFi service will also be available on the buses by end-April. The M1WiFi service, with download speeds more than ten times faster than available through Wireless@SG, will seamlessly handover customers between M1’s mobile network and the WiFi-On-The-Go service before, during and after their journey, to enable them to able to enjoy activities such as streaming HD video content without interruption.
In addition to passenger benefits, WiFi-On-The-Go can help business by enabling new applications. For instance, inbound tour operators can now provide tourists with WiFi on board their tour buses. Vehicle fleet operators can also use the enhanced connectivity to stream live video and collect other relevant information from the vehicle, as well as provide transactional services.
“HetNet technological innovation is expected to bring about immediate and long term benefits for citizens. With the enhanced infrastructure, as a start, users in trial areas such as MRT stations and selected buses powered by M1, can now experience better coverage with seamless connectivity, IDA assistant CEO Khoong Hock Yun said.
“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.”
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific bus service will be involved in this trial Wi-Fi initiative?
Which specific bus service will be involved in this trial Wi-Fi initiative?
The trial Wi-Fi service will be available to commuters on selected SMRT Service 176 buses. This trunk route service connects Bukit Merah Interchange and Bukit Panjang Temporary Bus Park.
Q.What is the primary purpose of these Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) Trials?
What is the primary purpose of these Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) Trials?
The HetNet Trials aim to validate advanced telecommunication technologies and assess a network's ability to provide pervasive and smooth connectivity in a real-world environment. This helps test network capabilities thoroughly.
Q.How will the M1WiFi service differ from the Wireless@SG network on the buses?
How will the M1WiFi service differ from the Wireless@SG network on the buses?
The M1WiFi service, available by end-April, promises download speeds more than ten times faster than Wireless@SG. It will also smoothly hand over customers between M1's mobile network and the Wi-Fi.
Q.Beyond passenger benefits, how else might this Wi-Fi-On-The-Go technology be useful for businesses?
Beyond passenger benefits, how else might this Wi-Fi-On-The-Go technology be useful for businesses?
The technology can enable new applications for businesses. Inbound tour operators could offer Wi-Fi on their buses, and vehicle fleet operators could stream live video or collect data from their vehicles.
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