Blue Ocean Wireless Announces Global Roaming Service

Blue Ocean Wireless has announced its upcoming global roaming service. With this new facility, subscribers to other networks will be able to roam on all Blue Ocean Wireless equipped vessels using their existing handset and SIM card. The roaming capability will work in the same way as traditional land based GSM roaming and requires no special equipment or preparation on the part of the user.

The global roaming feature will be made possible by network upgrades that Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) have recently undertaken. The Blue Ocean Wireless network has been upgraded with a new GSM switch and a full Global Lease Line, providing enhanced connectivity as well as allowing for additional features such as global roaming.

Robert Johnson, BOW CEO commented, “We are delighted to announce the network upgrades and our impending global roaming service. This enhancement to the Blue Ocean Wireless solution represents another major step towards achieving a fully comprehensive communications solution for those that work at sea. The remarkable speed with which BOW’s rollout has progressed has allowed BOW to diversify and enhance the BOW GSM service with the ultimate goal of improving on-board conditions for seafarers.

Ramon S. Fernandez, PLDT and SMART head for International Carrier and Business Division, said, “partnering with BOW is part of SMART’s thrust to provide affordable and extensive communications services to 1.2 million seafarers, of whom 40 percent are Filipinos. Through the global roaming service, they can use their own mobile phones to send and receive text messages and calls even while in deep ocean waters.”