Singapore , 17 June 2008 - Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) announced today it is part of the SME Infocomm Package (SIP) initiative led by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (iDA). Under this scheme, eligible SMEs will enjoy special discounts. They can also enjoy a subsidy of up to $1000 when signing up Broadband and Web Hosting solutions if they are developing a web presence for their businesses for the first time.

 

Together with its consortium of partners, Singtel seeks to address the difficulties SMEs face in adopting Infocomm Technologies (ICT).   For instance, in addition to iDA’s grant, Singtel is collaborating with Courts (Singapore) Limited to offer eligible SMEs credit limit of up to $100,000 at very attractive interest rates when they purchase IT equipment or office furniture.

 

Most SMEs do not have full time IT staff and may lack the technical expertise to manage complex office IT systems. In line with iDA’s call for one-stop convenience for SMEs, Singtel is transforming the SME IT experience with a package comprising broadband, email & web hosting. The package includes small office IT maintenance which provides SMEs with on-site assistance and unlimited phone support. This allows SMEs to focus on core competencies and reduce overheads.

 

To further enhance productivity, the package comes with push mail, allowing SMEs to access emails on their mobile devices at no charge.

 

SMEs may also subscribe to a range of optional Web-based hosting business solutions offered by the other consortium partners, such as Human Resource (HR) leave management applications, automatic data backup and Point-Of-Sales (POS) applications.

 

Ms Sarah Chua, Singtel’s Vice President for Business Sales, said: “Most SMEs face hurdles in the adoption of ICT services, such as high upfront costs.    Even after making such investments, the next hurdle is to fund the ongoing manpower costs to manage these services, address security concerns, and deal with issues such as changes in user requirements and technology obsolescence.

 

“Singtel’s package helps SMEs overcome these hurdles and provide one-stop convenience and peace of mind.   By making ICT more accessible and affordable, it empowers enterprises to achieve their business goals.”

 

SMEs have the flexibility to apply for the packages at Singtel’s business@hello! located at Comcentre, Courts Megastore in Tampines or by calling Singtel’s SME hotline 1800-SME 1111. To qualify for the grant, SMEs must be at least 30% Singapore-owned, have fewer than 200 employees, own less than S$15 million in fixed assets and do not own a website

 

Partners in Singtel’s consortium are Courts (Singapore) Limited, JustLogin, StarVision and Webvision.