If you think that 150 Mbps is fast for 4G service, check out the SingTel latest upgrade. SingTel has rolled out live 4G service at 300 Mbps! And what’s more, SingTel customers can roam in China with 4G now. This is another first for a Telco in Singapore.
300Mbps
Years ago, when 4G rolled out in Singapore, it was just 75 Mbps. Thanks to technology, it is now a norm to have 150 Mpbs (Cat 4). In fact, it is only recently, devices come with Cat4 4G capability as a standard.
So, that means it will be some time before you see devices with the new 300 Mbps (I believe is Cat 6) as a standard. In fact, as of today, there is no smartphone in the market that uses 4G at 300 Mbps. And SingTel of course knows that. That is why they introduces the new Huawei E5786 MiFi dongle that will be available from SingTel in mid-July.
So, if you have laptops or smartphones that has Wireless 802.11n or 802.11ac, you will be able to enjoy the 300Mbps. Huawei E5786 fits the bill. Click Here to check it out (not sure if SingTel is using exactly this one or not as SingTel mentions it is a dongle but this is NOT a dongle!).
BTW, the 300Mbps 4G will be rolling out progressively starting with Singapore Expo and by end of this end, half of Singapore will be covered. SingTel customers will be getting this upgrade for free. So, if you do not have a 300Mbps this year, I don’t think you will miss much.
For those that are still on 3G, once you use 4G, you will never want to go back again. I can bet with you on that.
4G Roaming
As mentioned, SingTel is the first Telco to provide 4G in China. If you did not realize, there aren’t many countries that you can roam in 4G. As of today, SingTel has only 8 countries that support 4G roaming. So, make sure that you enjoy the unlimited data while you are on 4G in the selected countries.
Please read the Press Release for more information.
Press Release
SingTel first Singapore mobile operator to roll out live 300Mbps 4G service and China 4G roaming
Singapore 28 May 2014 – SingTel today unveiled the first live 4G service in Singapore that is capable of offering data speeds of up to 300Mbps, double the speeds of currently available 4G services.
SingTel has also broken new ground by being the first Singapore mobile operator to offer 4G data roaming in China.
Singapore’s first 300Mbps mobile broadband service
Powered by state-of-the-art LTE-Advanced technology, SingTel’s 300Mbps service will deliver an unrivalled experience for multimedia content and communications on-the-go.
The first live site at Singapore Expo is now ready for service. By the end of the year, more than half of the island will be covered, including areas such as the CBD, Changi Airport and popular shopping malls. Customers can look forward to nationwide coverage by the end of 2015.
All SingTel 4G customers with compatible devices will be able to enjoy the 300Mbps service at no additional charge. The first compatible device, the Huawei E5786 MiFi dongle, will be available from SingTel in mid-July. Smartphones and tablets are expected to be available soon after.
Mr Johan Buse, SingTel’s Vice President of Consumer Marketing, said: “The fastest network is now even faster. At SingTel, we are constantly upgrading our networks with the latest technologies and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Our customers are seeking higher speeds for their increasingly bandwidth-hungry multimedia applications. Last year, we were the first to launch nationwide dual-band 150Mbps 4G, and we are now excited to raise the bar to 300Mbps.”
First China 4G data roaming service
For the first time, Singapore mobile users will be able to enjoy 4G roaming coverage in China with SingTel’s DataRoam Saver service.
At just S$20 per day, the service offers unlimited 4G data usage via SingTel’s partner, China Mobile, the country’s largest mobile operator.
Mr Buse said: “As the second most popular destination for Singapore travellers[1], China is an important addition to our global 4G roaming network.”
“With DataRoam Saver, customers enjoy tremendous convenience, flexibility and value for money. They do not need to search for elusive WiFi hotspots or rely on pricey hotel WiFi services. In addition, our Network Lock feature, which comes with all DataRoam Saver plans, will eliminate bill shock, giving customers total peace of mind,” he said.
SingTel offers more 4G roaming destinations than any other Singapore mobile operator, with eight locations globally:
| Country | Partner network | Rate | |
| 1 | Australia | Optus | $15/day |
| 2 | Hong Kong | CSL | $15/day |
| 3 | Japan | Softbank | $15/day |
| 4 | Malaysia | Maxis | $15/day |
| 5 | Philippines | Globe | $15/day |
| 6 | South Korea | SKT | $15/day |
| 7 | China | China Mobile | $20/day |
| 8 | Switzerland | Swisscom | $30/day |
Mr Buse said: “We are constantly working with leading carriers from around the world to extend our coverage. Our goal is to provide our customers with a 4G experience that is similar to what they enjoy at home.”
At launch, the service is available for iPhone 5S and 5C smartphones, which are currently the only handsets that are compatible with the 4G mobile frequencies used by China Mobile. Other handsets will be supported in the coming months.
For more information, please visit www.singtel.com/dataroam.
1 Source: Skyscanner
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