Singapore set for full 5G standalone maritime coverage by 2025: IMDA

IMDA and MPA to establish the world's first and largest Maritime testbed at sea.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is working with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to establish the world's first public and largest 5G Maritime testbed which will aim to trial, innovate, and commercialise Maritime 5G use cases over the coming decade. Those use cases may involve the deployment of maritime autonomous surface ships, shore-to-ship delivery, and telemedicine in the future

Scheduled to become operational by 2025, 5G@SEA Maritime testbed will accelerate marine technology research and development as well as allow testing of new applications that can promote innovation, job design and transformation, and human safety, according to the IMDA.

Mobile network operator M1 Ltd. was chosen to provide 5G SA network coverage under the collaborative effort.

The IMDA also said that the collaboration will be a key enabler in supporting the country's maritime ambition to handle 65mil twenty-foot equivalent unit upon opening of Tuas Port in the 2040s.