SingTel unveils Asia’s first WiFi-integrated mobile plans (video)

I have to admit, I did not see that coming from SingTel (or as a matter of fact, any of the Telcos). Instead of increasing base stations or upgrading them, SingTel decided to deploy more WiFi networks that will work seamlessly with the current 3G and 4G networks.

singtel-wifi-integration

This premium WiFi networks will be managed by SingTel and will have a fast connection speed (EAP-SIM). I think for those who travel on MRT or frequent CapitaMall shopping centers, you might be able to enjoy this service thoroughly when it starts (I believe should be from 19th August 2014). Read the Annex for the locations of Hotspots.

Over the next year, more hotspots will be added.

By March 2015, approximately 1,000 hotspots at more than 100 locations across the island will have been deployed. These numbers are expected to double by March 2016.

Here is a video introduction of the service.

Actually, this integration service will be good to ease some traffic from the Base Stations. Based on the Combo Plan, the WiFi usage will be unlimited until next year July. And those that signed up this plan will have the 4G VAS waived permanently (currently, SingTel has not yet charged 4G VAS).

In my opinion, SingTel might be charging 4G VAS soon, and to avoid being charged, they will entice the  people to this new WiFi integrated Mobile plan.

  • First, that will ease the traffic of Base Stations.
  • Secondly, SingTel can still provide free 4G VAS which is what many people are unhappy about (if they charged the 4G VAS now).
  • Finally, after the offer ends, SingTel can have additional income by charging for WiFi data.
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Not bad, right?

One thing you might have to take note is that the WiFi on your phone must always be on (not sure how it will affect the battery life of the phone) to use the service. Read the Press Release for more information.

Press Release

SingTel meets customer demand for more data with Asia’s first WiFi-integrated mobile plans

Singapore 12 August 2014 – SingTel today unveiled a range of mobile plans that are fully integrated with a new premium high-speed WiFi network that it is rolling out at crowded locations and underground MRT stations.

The Combo plans are designed to meet consumers’ fast growing mobile data needs by offering high-speed WiFi usage in addition to 4G data bundles. As a launch promotion, customers will enjoy unlimited WiFi usage until 31 July 2015. Subsequently, all Combo plans will come with 2GB[1] of WiFi data allowances.

Mr Johan Buse, SingTel’s Vice President of Consumer Marketing, said: “Customers tell us that they want faster speeds and more generous data allowances. Our new premium WiFi network complements our 4G network and boosts network capacity in crowded, congestion-prone locations. It enables us to provide customers with an optimal mobile data experience where they need it most.”

Combo plan customers will be able to switch automatically between the 3G, 4G and SingTel WiFi network without a manual password login. To ensure that customers always enjoy a high-speed and seamless experience, SingTel has permanently waived the 4G value-added service subscription charges.

singtel-wifi-combo

The Combo plans provide customers with better value for money than existing plans. They offer up to 200 minutes more local talktime and up to 500 more SMS messages.

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From 19 August 2014, the Combo plans will replace SingTel’s existing plans for customers who renew their contracts or subscribe to new lines.

SingTel premium WiFi network

Unlike free public WiFi networks, SingTel’s WiFi network is fully managed to ensure high quality performance. It can provide connectivity that is five times faster than typical free public WiFi services. (Average typical speeds of SingTel WiFi range from 4 to 10Mbps.)

At launch, coverage will be available at more than 100 hotspots at 11 locations, including popular shopping malls such as Raffles City, Plaza Singapura, Junction 8, Funan Digitalife Mall, Bugis+, The Atrium and Changi City Point. SingTel will progressively roll out the network to all CapitaMall shopping centres. (Please refer to Annexe 1 for the list of malls covered at launch.)

Hotspots will also be installed in Singapore’s busiest underground MRT stations and major bus interchanges. Customers can enjoy coverage at Orchard, City Hall and Raffles Place stations from 22 August 2014. The service will be progressively rolled out to 16 MRT stations on the North-East Line, as well as eight other stations with high commuter traffic over the next nine months. (Please refer to Annexe 2 for the list of MRT stations.)

By March 2015, approximately 1,000 hotspots at more than 100 locations across the island will have been deployed. These numbers are expected to double by March 2016.

For the full list of SingTel WiFi hotspot locations, please visit www.singtel.com/stwifi.

[1]Excess data charge of $10.70 per GB will apply

ANNEX 1 – Shopping Malls with SingTel WiFi at launch (19 Aug 2014)

  1. Raffles City
  2. Funan Digitalife Mall
  3. Changi City Point
  4. Plaza Singapura
  5. Junction 8
  6. Sembawang Shopping Centre
  7. Bugis+
  8. The Atrium
  9. Orchard Central
  10. Toa Payoh HDB Hub
  11. SingTel Shops and other SingTel locations
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ANNEX 2 – MRT stations to be covered

  1. City Hall (Ready by 22 Aug 2014)
  2. Orchard (Ready by 22 Aug 2014)
  3. Raffles Place (Ready by 22 Aug 2014)
  4. Chinatown
  5. Clarke Quay
  6. Little India
  7. Farrer Park
  8. Boon Keng
  9. Potong Pasir
  10. Woodleigh
  11. Kovan
  12. Hougang
  13. Buangkok
  14. Sengkang
  15. Punggol
  16. Jurong East
  17. Dhoby Ghaut (NEL & NS)
  18. Bishan
  19. Serangoon (NEL)
  20. Buona Vista
  21. Outram Park (NEL)
  22. Paya Lebar
  23. Choa Chu Kang
  24. Harbour Front* (NEL)

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