A NETWORK facility that will allow seafarers to use their GSM (global system for mobile communications) handsets even while in the middle of the ocean is expected to be available by end-2008.

This new service is being offered by Smart Communications Inc. and Dublin-based affiliate Blue Ocean Wireless (BOW).

In a press briefing, Smart chairman Manuel Pangilinan expects that the service will be initially available to about 1,200 ships.

The BOW network services is currently being piloted in 25 ships consisting of at least 20-crew members per ship, including two Dobson vessels, where the majority of the crew members are Filipinos. The formal launch of the service was held early this year.

Smart president Napoleon Nazareno has said the innovative service makes communication simpler and more convenient to more than 1.2 million seafarers, of whom 40 percent are Filipinos.

“BOW’s service will enable seafarers to bring their GSM mobile phones onboard their vessels and use them to send and receive text messages, and make and receive calls, just as if they were at home or roaming in other countries. They can have more private conversations with their families and loved ones,” said Nazareno.

Robert Johnson, BOW chief executive officer, said there are more than 25,000 deep-sea ships that regularly sail outside of the coastal coverage of a GSM network, and a number of companies managing some of these vessels have already signed up for the service. 

“We could not have created this amazing innovation without Smart as our core partner,” BOW said.

Filipinos, said global access group head Tina Mariano, are very familiar with SMS, and are fond of sending text messages to friends and loved ones. “With GSM-based services now possible even at sea, our seafarers will be able to enjoy more options for keeping in touch,” she said.

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Smart offers phone service for seafarers

A NETWORK facility that will allow seafarers to use their GSM (global system for mobile communications) handsets even while in the middle of the ocean is expected to be available by end-2008.

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