M1 launches first commercial high-speed, disruption-free network

SINGAPORE — M1 subscribers are set to get faster and steadier connections on their mobile devices, now that the telco is the first to launch a nationwide heterogeneous network (HetNet) that will seamlessly switch between different networks such as 4G and Wi-Fi, minimising disruptions and slow Internet-surfing speeds.

Users in high-traffic areas will especially benefit, with the telco deploying small cells — essentially mini base stations — on top of the traditional macro ones, to boost coverage in crowded places and hard-to-reach areas such as carparks and basements.

Users may expect peak download speeds of more than 1Gbps by 2017, M1 said, and in three to four years’ time, the network would be available at about 500 hot spots islandwide.

These will include MRT and LRT stations, malls, and popular outdoor areas such as Marina Bay and Clarke Quay.

In making the announcement at a media briefing on Thursday (Aug 18), the telco said that it would invest an initial S$50 million in this first commercial nationwide roll-out, and this amount would also go towards the launch of a separate network by 2017 to connect the millions of Internet of Things (IoT) devices that are expected to come about with the national Smart Nation drive.

M1 ran trials on the heterogenous network last year at Paragon mall on Orchard Road, the Orchard and Raffles Place MRT Stations, as well as Jem mall at Jurong East, so its mobile subscribers would be able to get access at these spots now.

Trial results showed that download speeds were boosted by up to 60 per cent, M1 said.

The other two telcos, Singtel and StarHub, also took part in these trials, which are part of a government initiative.

StarHub previously said that by the end of this year, its HetNet coverage would be extended to some 40 commercial buildings, hospitals and malls including Nex, Jem, and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. This is in addition to the more than 100 macro base stations and small cells covering the Marina Bay area, The Padang and others.

For Singtel, it will deploy HetNet at various locations, apart from existing spots such as Changi Exhibition Centre, Nex and VivoCity, as well as the food court at Marina Bay Sands. It could not give more details at this stage.

In working on the other commercial IoT network, M1 will partner Nokia to launch it by the first half of 2017.

This will ensure that the usual mobile networks for subscribers do not get congested, the telco said.

With this IoT network, M1 will work with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to use sensors to track vessels, for instance.

Logistics companies may also tap this network by installing sensors on vehicles to keep track of their movements, or manage the fleet. Data may then be sent back to the company via the network.