KUALA LUMPUR: U Mobile has partnered with Waze and Smart Tunnel to make GPS connectivity possible for all drivers commuting through the world's longest dual purpose tunnel.
Drivers no longer have to worry about getting lost or taking the wrong exit in the area, thanks to the installation of Bluetooth -enabled hardware devices known as Waze Beacons.
The devices enable seamless connectivity and undisrupted navigation even in areas where there is limited GPS signal reception through the emission of wireless signals that guide navigation apps.
To ensure undisrupted navigation in the Smart tunnel, drivers simply have to enable their Bluetooth connections on their devices. As of today, almost 240 Waze Beacons have been installed along the 5.2km road tunnel.
U Mobile's chief marketing officer, Jasmine Lee, said that this new feature, installed just before the Movement Control Order came into effect, will make the drive in the tunnel much more convenient. "U Mobile is a firm believer in unleashing the unlimited potential of technology, be it 5G trials, 4G network expansion or service innovation. This latest partnership with Waze and Smart Tunnel has made U Mobile the first telco in the world to power uninterrupted GPS navigation in a tunnel," she said.
"With Waze's Beacons technology, all mobile device users, regardless of which telco service they are subscribed to, will now be able to leverage on the full features of Waze uninterrupted throughout the tunnel," she added.
Meanwhile, Waze Malaysia's country lead, Kelvin Sim, said Waze has always been about more than just giving people driving directions.
"We're about solving transportation challenges and making roads better together. With 30,000 commuters using the Smart Tunnel daily, we're happy to collaborate with U Mobile and SMART to ease traffic congestion and reduce drivers' hesitation and confusion caused by signal loss," he said.
"With the Waze Beacons installed in the SMART Tunnel, our users' travel experience will become smoother and more convenient as they will enjoy uninterrupted GPS navigation and are able to share real-time information that may translate to updates on traffic conditions and proposed directions. Users will also be able to get updates on traffic jams, road closures or accidents that may have happened inside the tunnel and its surroundings, enhancing drivers' safety as well," said Smart's chief operating officer, Mohd Noor Mohd Ali.
To use the service, all Waze users in the Smart Tunnel will be prompted to turn on Bluetooth to enjoy uninterrupted GPS navigation. Go to www.u.com.my.