By
Rebecca Gibson |
MTN Communications (MTN) has launched the industry’s first calling app for maritime crew.
Leveraging the vessel’s onboard wi-fi connection and the MTN network, MTN OceanPhone Mobile enables crew to access call and messaging services. The app runs independently of other subscribed services.
The solution is an extension of MTN’s OceanPhone calling solution, enabling crew to communicate with onboard or onshore relatives or friends using their own smartphones and tablets. Crew can download the free app and then purchase an OceanPhone Mobile plan onboard their vessel. Family members and friends at home can do the same, and purchase their plans online.
MTN OceanPhone Mobile is designed specifically for app-to-app calls or messages to others who have OceanPhone Mobile on the same ship, other ships, as well as family and friends on shore. It offers free text messages, a dedicated personal phone number for each user and the ability to make and receive calls to or from any number. Voicemail features allow callers to leave messages in a personalised mailbox.
“Crew are one of the most valuable assets to any vessel’s operation, and are on the vessels for months at a time,” said Chris Leber, executive vice president, commercial business development, MTN. “Extending our OceanPhone product, which is already on 96 vessels around the world, to a mobile app was a natural evolution. Our goal for this product was to allow crew to be able to use their own devices to make and receive calls, no matter the market.”
He added “With our MTN network, managing calls ‘on-Net’ allows us to offer the crew great calling plans, as well as a cost-effective solution to family and friends to keep in touch.”