27 May 2003

Singapore Tourism Board and StarHub launch SMS contact tracing

By Dominique Loh

Contact tracing has become much easier by way of Short Messaging Service (SMS).

The Singapore Tourism Board and StarHub on Monday launched a service which allows Singaporeans to be traced by their mobile phones in case of a SARS outbreak.

Where one has been today may be a difficult thing for some people to remember.

But help is on the way for those with a mobile phone in hand.

All they have to do is look out for posters that has a postal code on it.

There are about 400 establishments like shopping centres, hotels and other popular attractions that have been assigned the postal codes.

Contact tracing using your mobile phone is easy. Just start by keying a new message. Type in the six-digit postal code of the location they are at and send it to 9499-7277.

"It's a pretty innovative service, I'll use it because it's convenient to get myself traced."

"It'll definitely come in helpful."

"It's quite fast, rather than the Contact Bowl sometimes, you may not have a name card with you."

Once you send a SMS, the name of the establishment you went to, date, time and your contact number will be recorded.

Information sent will be kept for at least 14 days.

One can use the service, no matter which telephone company they have subscribed to.

The telephone company operators said this was a voluntary programme and normal SMS charges still apply.

The service will be extended to buses and taxis in the near future.