StarHub trialing mesh network on buses

Singapore’s StarHub has teamed up with the National University of Singapore, charter bus company ComfortDelGro Bus and “Internet of Moving Things” company Veniam for a mesh network of connected vehicles pilot.

The trial at the university’s Kent Ridge campus is involving using buses as mobile WiFi access points connected to one and other and to fixed points in buildings on campus.

Wireless mesh access points on the buses are being powered by a combination of 4G, WiFi and dedicated short range communications (DSRC) technology.

The approach is designed to extend WiFi coverage will providing connectivity for a large number of IoT devices.

Stephen Lee, Head of StarHub i³ (Innovation, Investment, Incubation), said companies will also be able to use the anonymized data generated to address Singapore’s logistic and transportation challenges.

“This mesh platform at NUS allows StarHub to explore how we can use data generated from the platform to help companies in the logistics and transport sectors improve their operations and planning,” he said.

“We look forward to working with more commercial partners to expand the network to other parts of Singapore and find new ways to analyse and utilise the data collected in order to address various urban concerns and challenges facing the transportation and logistics industry.”