Initial roll-out in Orchard Road; island-wide coverage by end-2007
Free BroadBand on Mobile services till end-February next year
Singapore, 27 November 2006 -- Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) today announced that its customers will be the first in Singapore to enjoy true broadband capability on their mobile devices by taking part in a commercial trial.
‘Broadband on Mobile’ uses next generation mobile technology known as HSDPA or High Speed Downlink Packet Access and offers true broadband download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps. This is many times faster than the 384 kbps that the current 3G technology provides. Customers need an HSDPA-enabled device such as a mobile phone, laptop or personal digital assistant (PDA) to enjoy this superior experience while on the move, be it faster Internet surfing, richer media or rapid content streaming services.
Singtel’s existing mobile networks are fully integrated and backward compatible, including the new WiFi network which it is currently building.
From next year, Singtel customers can look forward to a seamless experience when moving between the Wireless@SG hotspots and BroadBand on Mobile coverage areas. This includes access to services such as Singtel’s eConcierge which will provide customers with both personalised and targeted information such as offers from nearby shopping malls. They can also locate the whereabouts of their friends through the BuddyWRU service as well as watch TV on the move and get location-based information through Broadband TV and WhizGuide respectively.
The new network allows Singtel to enhance customers’ mobile experience further.
Business customers will benefit from the super high-speed access to their corporate intranet and applications no matter where they are. Consumer customers will also enjoy faster access to information on the Internet along with enhanced mobile entertainment such as superior video streaming.
Mr Allen Lew, Singtel’s CEO Singapore, said: “Singtel’s new ‘
BroadBand on Mobile’ will allow us to extend the full power of the internet, personalised advertising and entertainment services to the Wireless@SG hotspots and any location covered by our mobile network. By partnering with Ericsson and other leaders of the internet, “BroadBand on Mobile” will finally give all Singaporeans what they’ve been waiting for - the ability to take their internet and entertainment experience outdoors.
Both outdoor and indoor HSDPA coverage will be available along the Orchard Road shopping belt, stretching from Dhoby Ghaut (e.g. Plaza Singapura) to Orchard (e.g. Ngee Ann City) initially.
Island-wide HSPDA coverage is expected to be ready before end of next year.
Currently, customers can access BroadBand on Mobile with devices such as laptops with HSDPA data cards, as well as the Dopod 838 Pro and D810 (to be launched in early December) on any Singtel 3G price plan using a 3G SIM card.
More HSDPA-enabled handsets from various manufacturers are expected to be available in the coming weeks.
As a promotional launch offer, Singtel’s postpaid mobile customers can enjoy free mobile broadband services simply by activating their HSDPA-enabled handsets and devices and registering online.
The promotion is available now till end-February 2007. From November 30, customers can register for this commercial trial online at http://home.singtel.com/hsdpa/. Charges for HSDPA will be announced at a later date.
Note:
About HSDPA
Upload speed of up to 384 kbps; download speed of up to 3.6 Mbps, compared to 3G which has upload speed of up to 64 or 128 kbps; download speed of up to 384 kbps
About Wireless@SG
Last month, Singtel announced that IDA had accepted its proposal to provide Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) services in the North Region in Singapore.
The new wireless network will provide more than 2,400 hotspots by May 2007. Singtel is offering three years of free WiFi access, including basic Internet services such as surfing and emailing.
Singtel customers can look forward to the following value-added services that are timely, innovative and personalised to meet their lifestyle needs and location.
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 encyclopedic 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.
