Singapore, 21 October 2008 -- Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) and Becker Marine Systems Communication, a leading maritime communications services provider, announced today that they have signed a teaming agreement to offer cutting-edge managed Infocomm Technology (ICT) solutions for the global maritime industry.

 

Under the agreement, Becker Marine Systems Communication seeks to incorporate Singtel’s suite of Maritime Satellite solutions into its umc.global network managed services platform.   By extending applications such as corporate email, Intranet and Internet access and voice communications to sea-bound employees in a secure manner, ships can become seamless extensions of the shore-based office.  This gives maritime companies a productivity boost and helps to create better lives for seafarers by allowing them to stay in touch with their loved ones while at sea.

 

Singtel will explore offering Becker Marine Systems Communication’s umc.connect portnet ^®ship2shore service in more than 80 seaports worldwide.   With this solution, vessels close to the shore can reduce costs by switching their satellite broadband connections to Singtel’s high-speed land-based WiFi or mobile networks.

 

The agreement also looks into providing umc.global network customers with cost-effective, hassle-free 2G, 3G and 3.5G roaming coverage via Singtel and Bridge Alliance networks in 11 countries: Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines,Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.   Customers will enjoy superior voice and data connectivity at a flat roaming rate across all territories.

 

Mr Titus Yong, Singtel’s Vice President of Satellite, said: “This teaming agreement seeks to bring satellite, GSM and terrestrial wireless solutions together to provide maritime companies with an innovative one-stop ICT experience that will transform the way they do business.   Singtel is excited to work closely with Becker Marine Systems Communication to give maritime customers a vital competitive edge.”

 

Mr Thomas Mueller, Becker Marine Systems Communication’s Managing Director, said: “Singtel, with its cutting-edge integrated solutions and superior satellite and terrestrial coverage in Asia, is an ideal partner to chart new oceans of opportunity.   We look forward to working together to develop flexible and cost effective managed communications services that will empower our customers to achieve their goals.”

                                                      

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About Becker Marine Systems Communication

 

Becker Marine Systems has over 60 years experience in the maritime industry. The business unit Communication benefits from the extensive maritime experience and knowledge in consideration of proven industry standards. Becker Marine Systems Communication develops and operates the umc.global network with a global and universal communications infrastructure for ship owners, ports, terminals, shipyards and sea crew. The umc.global network includes a number of managed services for IP-based VPN, VoIP, GSM, Satellite and wireless networks. Becker Marine Systems Communication is based in Hamburg and operates regional offices in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Founder and Managing Directors are Dirk Lehmann and Thomas Mueller.

 

About Singtel

 

Singtel is Asia's leading communications group with operations and investments around the world. The Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of services that include voice and data services over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms.

 

Singtel’s network of 37 offices in 19 countries and territories throughout Asia Pacific,  Europe and the United States, enables it to deliver reliable and quality network solutions to its customers. Together with its regional partners, it is Asia’s largest multi-market mobile operator, serving 198 million customers in eight markets.

 

The Singtel Group is the largest satellite operator in the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan), providing access to more than 38 geo-stationary satellites.   It co-owns the ST-1 satellite with Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan and six satellites through its wholly-owned subsidiary Optus inAustralia.  Singtel offers both fixed and mobile satellite solutions, which enable businesses in the maritime and enterprise sectors to stay connected worldwide through voice, data, fax, email and Internet and intranet access.