Singapore’s port sees over 500 ships each day–many of which have to perform internet-intensive tasks. To facilitate this, Singapore’s port is now launching a Mobile WiMax network known as the WISEPORT network. The network will provide connectivity throughout the port as well as up to 10 miles at sea, according to WiMAX Day. Thus it will enable more off-shore communication including the exchange of files, maps and other vital commercial data. For casual use, crew members will also now have better access to VoIP and video conferencing.

Some of the implications of the WISEPORT network provide interesting opportunities, particularly for cruise ships. Though some ports for cruise ships do have internet cafes available on port, access on ships themselves can sometimes be limited, if not grossly expensive. A WiMAX-based system could increase access points and in the future potentially defray some of the costs. This logic could extent to ferries and smaller passenger ships.

As brought out by the article, benefits of such a network can also extend onshore. For Singapore’s port,

Shipyards and marine engineering companies, shipping lines, terminal operators, technology companies and government agencies are all expected to benefit from the network. Already, companies and organisations such as Shell, APL, Global Marine Transportation and Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) have expressed interest in connectivity.

Some businesses in Texas will have more opportunities to sign up with WiMAX services as Airband Communications, Inc. announced that it will be expanding its reach and service by 50 percent in the Houston area. This expansion includes upgrading existing infrastructure and positioning new base stations around Northwest Freeway, Arena Towers, West Chase and Sugarland. Each base station covers a radius of three to five miles, thus allowing Airband to service more businesses in those areas. The company has been providing WiMAX services for Houston since 2001.

But this may very well not be the last time Airband comes up in WiMAX news. According to an article posted in Centre Daily, Airband is upgrading its Houston market as part of a larger project. With clients already located in Austin, Charlotte, Dallas, LA, Philadelphia,Phoneix and elsewhere, Airband is developing a strategy to provide services nationwide. As Airband expands its footprint, we may soon hear of businesses in other major cities gaining WiMAX as an option for their data and VoIP services.