 |
FIRST IN SINGAPORE, FIRST IN THE WORLD | ONE PHONE, ONE SIM CARD | TWO NETWORKS – GSM, iDEN | THREE SERVICES |
01 October 2007 Singapore, 1 October 2007 – GRID Communications, a fully digital public walkie-talkie communications network, and Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), Asia’s leading communications company, today announced that they have collaborated to offer the world’s first one-stop mobile communications solution. This solution allows mobile users to access two different networks and 3 different services - GRID’s walkie-talkie services or GRID’s mobile phone services, SingTel’s GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) services, - via just one mobile handset and SIM card. This solution is suitable for law enforcement agencies or enterprises which are looking into alternative communications networks or services to cater to business continuity planning or emergency responses. As the mobile handset is linked to 2 independent communications networks, in times of emergency, users can enjoy the convenience of choosing between GRID or GSM network without having to carry multiple mobile devices and SIM cards. Currently, this service is only available on the Motorola i930 handset and must be used with a customized dual profile SIM card. The Motorola i930 is the first dual mode (iDEN/GSM) mobile smart phone to combine walkie-talkie and GSM functionalities. It supports both international iDEN (800/900 MHz) and GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) networks. The customized dual profile SIM card co-developed by GRID and SingTel Mobile will contain 2 subscriber profiles: a GRID profile (using GRID’s network) and a GSM profile (using SingTel Mobile network). The SIM card is designed to work with normal GRID phone, GSM phone and the Motorola i930. In the past, users have to carry both GRID and GSM handsets in their daily operations. This new mobile solution will do away with the need for users to carry multiple mobile devices such as PDA, GSM or GRID phones. The SIM card is designed to work with normal GRID phone, GSM phone and the Motorola dual-mode smartphone – the i930. The SIM card contains 2 subscriber profiles - a GRID profile on GRID’s network and a GSM profile via SingTel Mobile’s network. GRID’s mobile phone service, although similar to the traditional GSM mobile phone service, is provided via Motorola’s integrated Digital Enhanced Network technology (iDEN). GRID’s walkie-talkie service is used island-wide by many industries. With Group Call, users can connect to a pre-programmed group or fleet with the push of a button to get the messages out fast – a mandatory requirement in time-critical missions or during crisis. Private Call enables the user to connect to an individual with the push of a button. Quality of service is assured as GRID’s core systems are distinct and independent. This means that in the event of disruption in one service, the other service will not be affected. GRID offers a unique island-wide mobile communication service to the business community – fastest call set up at the push of a button; unlimited 1-to-1 call for cost management; efficient 1-to-many group call for operation management; as well as high network availability. About GRID Communications Pte LtdGRID Communications Pte Ltd (GRID) is a joint venture between Singapore Technologies Telemedia and SingTel. GRID operates a fully digital public walkie-talkie communications network to offer corporate customers instant connect (‘push-to-talk’), mobile phone, GPS tracking and data services, all in a single handset. With Push-To-Talk, customers can conduct group communications or individual private calls. They also enjoy all the conveniences and comprehensive services of a normal mobile phone. Advanced GPS tracking, job dispatch services are widely used by its corporate customers. For more information on GRID, visit www.grid.net.sg.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, the Philippines and Thailand. Together with its regional partners, SingTel is Asia’s largest multi-market mobile operator, serving more than 136 million customers in seven 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 at www.singtel.com.
Press Contacts Mr Lim Chin Guan GRID Communications Pte Ltd Mr Chia Boon Chong |
