Smooth sailing

Thanks to state-of-the-art digital and mobile technology, it will be smooth sailing in August for visitors, athletes, organizers and citizens in Qingdao, host city of the 2008 Olympic sailing competition.

For the visitor with a fully equipped mobile phone, it could begin with a short welcome message upon arriving at the airport, to GPS directions to the hotel, updated Olympic results, local travel and tourist tips and a wireless Olympic newspaper. According to Zhang Ziying, deputy general manager with China Mobile Group Shandong, Qingdao's mobile services will provide cutting edge services during - and after - the Games, thanks to some of China's finest technology.

The northeast coastal city bordering the Yellow Sea in Shandong province is expecting thousands of Olympics-related visitors both, including athletes, officials, and tourists from home and abroad.

An Olympic City Comprehensive Information System will offer detailed information on hospitality, transportation, tourist sites and facilities.

In addition, those registered with the Olympic Sailing Committee (Qingdao) can use their phones to search for information about Olympic athletes, volunteers and staff.

"It is especially helpful for volunteers, who can get profiles of the people they provide services for - even hobbies and specific living preferences of them are available. Then the volunteers can offer more personalized and more considerate service," says He Ping, vice general manager and senior engineer with China Mobile Group Shandong Co, Qingdao branch.

GPS and AGPS (Advanced GPS automobile positioning and controlling systems have also been specifically designed for the Qingdao Sailing Committee to increase commutes and security during the Games.

Cars registered in the system will be very easy to locate and track during the Games and the service will be promoted and available for the general public following the Games.

Though wireless Internet technology is not new, a WLAN (wireless local area network) provide wireless access for users not only in the Olympic facilities but also to every corner of the city and within a 100-km distance of the shore.

"The extensive network can guarantee contest statistics on-time transmissions, as well as enhance the safety of athletes, judges and spectators," says He, adding that the network will also serve fishermen and travelers sailing on the Yellow Sea after the Games.

An official digital Press Release System will also offer updated information for targeted people with a free mobile-Olympic-paper from August 9 to 23. "We hope this value-added service further attracts people's interest in mobile media," says Zhang Ziying.

In addition, a bilingual (English and Chinese) language service for the mobile network will be improved to meet the needs of foreign visitors.

China Mobile, the telecommunication sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, says that the upgraded wireless services in Qingdao and other Olympic host cities, including Beijing, Tianjin and Qinhuangdao, will also be used to test the company's technological and service capabilities.

"The Olympic sailing contest offers an opportunity for Qingdao to renovate its digital infrastructure and to enhance its service level, all of which is conducive to its further development, especially the city's travel industry," adds Zhang Xiusheng, general manager with China Mobile Group Shandong Co Ltd Qingdao Branch.

According to the sailing committee, the competition includes 11 categories, which will generate 33 medals.

There will be nearly 400 athletes from more than 70 countries and regions with 270-plus boats. The working staff, including officials of Olympic committee, support staffers and volunteers, is expected to exceed 2,000.

(China Daily 04/28/2008 page10)