A nationwide initiative to offer mobile Internet access free of charge in ports throughout the UK has been started by Three.
Mobile network provider Three has set off an initiative in association with the Merchant Navy Welfare Board to ensure that mariners to stay connected with their friend and families via social network sites like Twitter, Facebook, Skype, email and any other Internet utilities for communication.
Three has made arrangement s for thirty two mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for the nationwide charity that has plans to offer welfare facilities to seamen. Every gadget will be installed with 15GB of data every month that will make up 1,500 ten minute Skype calls a month or be able to send 75,000 emails. These MiFi gadgets are equipped with the most recent HSPA+ know-how that would offer a quicker mobile Internet encounter than the regular 3G.
Seamen have been helped with their shopping, making appointments with doctors or hospitals, as well as staying in touch with their near and dear ones throughout the world by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board.
This contribution by Three is part of its Community Fund that was started in the month of January and permits people working there to elect a different charity to take advantage of their offer every month.
Ms. Carolyn Lewis, the Port Welfare Officer of the Merchant Welfare Board stated that working on the high seas could be a very risky and secluded business. There were many agreements that go on for six months and seamen would have to work for long hours every day of the week. If they do not have any contact with their families it could create further stress in relation to their work at sea.
She added that many mariners who set foot on the shores of the United Kingdom have smartphones, but are not in a position to get connected when they are on land and roaming charges internationally could be extremely pricey. She said that with this venture the welfare visitors of ships could assist seamen to stay linked to their friends and loved ones in spite of the fact that they are on land only for a couple of hours.
Hugh Davies, the Director of Corporate Affairs at Three, said that they have pumped in a lot of money into their network such that users could avail of the most excellent data encounters. This would imply that when users link their smartphones, laptops or tablets they are able to experience easy streaming, quick browsing and clarity of Internet calls. He added that for mariners, getting connected with one of their portable MiFi gadgets meant it was free and simple to be linked and remain in touch with whoever they wanted.
