Alliance Extends Unparalleled Global Coverage At Global Entrepolis @ Singapore
Singapore, 31 October 2003 - StarHub, Singapore's innovative info-communications provider and initiator of the Wireless Broadband Alliance ("Alliance"), the largest alliance of wireless broadband operators in the world, today announced that NTT Communications (NTT Com), Japan's major wireless broadband operator has joined the Alliance to help establish consistent wireless broadband service standards worldwide. NTT Com plans to support current Alliance initiatives on brand building, customer experience and 'smart roaming' into and out of Japan.
This announcement was made at Global Entrepolis @ Singapore, the Enterprise, Innovation and Technology Exchange exhibition, currently held at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"We are delighted to welcome NTT Com into the Alliance as Japan boasts one of the world’s most advanced wireless-mobile networks in the world," said Mr Kyong Yu, Senior Vice President for StarHub Interactive and Chairman of the Alliance. "With NTT Com's participation, Singapore wireless broadband users can expect to access 600 public wireless hotspots throughout Japan in the near future."
The locations covered by HOTSPOT, NTT Com's wireless LAN service, include three international airports, two major convention centres, Japan Airlines' localities, the nation-wide fast food outlets of MOS Burger, and the Prince Hotels network. NTT Com expects to expand its wireless broadband network to cover 13 major cities - each city encompassing a population of over one million - by the end of fiscal year 2003.
"Cooperation between wireless operators is critical in creating value for our customers," said Mr Tetsuya Funabashi, Product Owner of HOTSPOT and Vice President at NTT Com. "Through HOTSPOT, we have provided a wireless broadband service that boasts broad coverage, ease of use, reasonable pricing and quality assurance. The Wireless Broadband Alliance adds value to our users by providing global coverage and a seamless user experience."
According to leading IT market research and advisory firm IDC, StarHub is the market leader in public wireless broadband services in Singapore (IDC Asia/Pacific Fixed Line Telecommunications Tracker, 1H 2003).
StarHub was central in creating local marketing partnerships with local wireless ISPs such as 5G, Bluengine, Nautilus Networks and PC Connect. In addition, StarHub initiated the Wireless Broadband Alliance ( www.wirelessbroadbandalliance.com) , with the aim of enhancing customer experience while they use WiFi for their corporate needs. Members in the Alliance include Australia's Telstra, China Netcom, Korea Telecom, Malaysia's Maxis, UK's BT and T-Mobile and US' T-Mobile. IBM has also signed with the Alliance in August 2003 as an Associate partner.
With the inclusion of NTT Com, the Alliance boasts a customer reach of 42 million mobile customers, and 7.5 million fixed broadband customers.
For more information on StarHub, please go to www.starhub.com/wirelesshub.
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