Singapore, 10 October 2006 -- Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) today announced that IDA had accepted its proposal to provide Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) services in the North Region in Singapore*.

 

In addition to free basic Internet services such as surfing and emailing at these wireless hotspots, Singtel customers can expect to enjoy new value-added services that are timely, innovative and personalised to meet their lifestyle needs and location. 

 

These services include Broadband TV on the move, Singtel's eConcierge smart location-based services, WhizGuide and BuddyWRU ( Buddy Where Are You), as well as unlimited mobile VoIP calls at a fixed monthly fee.

Singtel customers when logging onto the Internet at any of Singtel's WiFi hotspots in the North Region will see a personalised homepage and receive relevant information that is of interest to them, both in terms of their lifestyle needs and location.   

 

Singtel's eConcierge, through user preference and purchase tracking, will customise and send to customers information such as offers and discounts from nearby shopping malls, retail outlets, eateries and cineplexes.

 

With BuddyWRU, users could tell if their friends are in the same vicinity and could do instant messaging or arrange to meet face-to-face.

 

In the pipeline is WhizGuide, a smart location-based guide which gives local users and overseas visitors general information and the history of Singapore sights and sites, history and people based on their location.   Lifelong e-learning on the go - either with a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a mobile phone - will be possible.

 

Customers can also look forward to making unlimited VoIP calls at a fixed monthly fee on their WiFi-enabled mobile phones** not just at these wireless hotspots but even when they are at home.

 

Mr Allen Lew, Singtel's CEO (Singapore), said: "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to collaborate with the government and other partners on its iN2015 masterplan.   The wireless CFC will allow us to create an environment where our customers can bring their Internet and TV experience outdoors with them using not only laptops but also a range of other compact PDAs and mobile phones as well.

 

"Our new wireless network, which will provide more than 2,400 hotspots by May 2007, allows us to introduce several innovative services.   We can thus enhance the lifestyles of our customers by providing relevant location-based services so that they will always be in the know and always be in touch with the things and people important to them."

 

Although the three service providers participating in the wireless CFC are expected to offer free WiFi access for two years, Singtel raised the bar by offering an additional year of free access to its customers.   This represents annual savings of about $120 per user.

 

Mr Lew added: "Besides participating in this wireless broadband network, Singtel looks forward to playing a major role in the fixed national broadband network that will deliver high-speed broadband to all homes, offices and schools."

 

 

 

Notes:

 

* The national wireless project is part of Singapore's Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) Wireless Call For Collaboration (CFC) under its iN2015 blueprint, which aims to grow the infocomm sector and to use infocomm technology (ICT) to build a well connected society.  

 

Primary Catchment Areas in North Region are: Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Checkpoint, Hougang, Kovan, Novena, Orchard Road, Sembawang, Sengkang, Serangoon, Thomson, Toa Payoh, Woodlands, Yishun.

 

** Singtel is one of the first operators in the world to conduct a mobile VoIP trial service with Nokia.   Commercial launch is expected later this year.  

 

 

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eConcierge

 

eConcierge will track user data and preferences and customise information, discounts and advertising based on user's past buying patterns. 

 

One feature which will appeal to the youth is the ability to use Instant Messaging while on the move and BuddyWRU ( Buddy Where Are You) which allows them to know where their friends are.

 

WhizGuide

 

The WhizGuide is a location-based service that detects where a user is and provides information relevant to his location.   The concept is that a Whiz (someone with encyclopaedic knowledge) is walking with you wherever you go, providing all the information you need to navigate your present location and maximise your wireless experience.  The WhizGuide can be conveniently accessed from any WiFi-enabled mobile phone, PDA or laptop.

 

The WhizGuide will also allow real-time e-learning for schools that want to take education out of the classroom.   Lessons can be given followed by online quiz that teachers can use to create an interactive, vibrant learning environment.

 

Broadband TV

 

Be entertained while on the move.   Subscribers will be able to watch programmes such as those currently available on Singtel's 3GTV service as well as all new and exciting entertainment options that will be launched in the future.

 

VoIP on Mobile

 

This dual-mode telephony service combines the best of two worlds - allowing users the combined mobility of cellular and the cost-effectiveness of wireless broadband.   The service can be accessed using the WiFi network at home or on-the-go at all Singtel's wireless hotspots across the island. 

 

Thanks to this service, customers using Nokia's E60, E61 and N80 Internet Edition mobile phones will be able to make unlimited local calls to any fixed or mobile number over the Internet by paying a fixed monthly fee.   All three devices work on 2G, 3G and Wireless Local Area Networks and are available to non-business customers on postpaid mobile plans.

 

The commercial launch of the service is expected to take place later this year.

 

At a glance