28 April 2008

MOU to further strengthen Singapore's position as a maritime telecommunications hub

Singapore, 28 April 2008 - The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Maritime Telecommunications Technology Research and Innovation. The two parties will collaborate to promote maritime technology R&D as part of Singapore's development as a maritime telecommunications hub and international maritime centre.

The MOU will leverage SingTel's global satellite infrastructure and expertise, and MPA's insights and on-going efforts to further develop Singapore's port and maritime industry.

One of the key projects explores the seamless integration of SingTel's maritime satellite broadband solutions with the MPA's Wireless-broadband-access for SeaPort (WISEPORT) facility. This will facilitate vessels close to the shore to switch their satellite broadband connections to higher bandwidth land-based broadband services such as the WISEPORT's mobile WiMAX service and WiFi, resulting in cost-savings for ships.

Other initiatives include developing low-cost maritime broadband solutions and establishing test-bed facilities to boost R&D in maritime telecommunications technology and services for the maritime community.

Capt Khong Shen Ping, MPA's Acting Chief Executive, said: "The MPA is pleased to work with SingTel to promote maritime research and innovation in the telecommunications field. This MOU is part of MPA's efforts to promote maritime R&D in Singapore. I would like to encourage research institutes and infocommunication service providers to ride on the MOU to research and develop new initiatives to benefit and grow the maritime sector."

Mr Bill Chang, SingTel's Executive Vice President for Business, said: "SingTel, as Asia's leading communications company and satellite service provider with seamless coverage over all major shipping routes, is excited to work with the MPA to shape the future of the maritime sector. By creating a platform for innovation and knowledge-sharing, we hope to increase the adoption of ICT services in the maritime industry."

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

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. The 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. The 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.

About SingTel

SingTel is Asia's leading communications group with operations and investments around the world. Serving both the corporate and consumer markets, it is committed to bringing the best of global communications to customers in the Asia Pacific and beyond.

With significant operations in Singapore and Australia (through wholly-owned subsidiary SingTel Optus), the Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of services that include voice and data services over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms.

To serve the needs of multi-national corporations, SingTel has a network of 37 offices in 19 countries and territories throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. These offices enable SingTel to deliver reliable and quality network solutions to its customers, either on its own or jointly with local partners.

The Group also has major investments in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. Together with its regional partners, SingTel is Asia's largest multi-market mobile operator, serving about 172 million customers in eight markets.

SingTel employs more than 19,000 people worldwide and had a turnover of S$13.15 billion (US$8.40 billion) and net profit after tax of S$3.78 billion (US$2.42 billion) for the year ended 31 March 2007. More information can be found @ www.singtel.com and www.optus.com.au.