Singapore, 14 January 2008 - Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) announced the launch of the Singtel Partner Programme at a cost of S$2.3 million over two years.   This is an initiative to support and help local ICT entrepreneurs and enable them to develop innovative mobile solutions and applications and bring them to market. 

 

The initiative is supported by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and leading industry players: Forum Nokia, HTC, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Research In Motion and Sony Ericsson.

 

Central to the programme is the state-of-the-art innovation centre that has been established to cater to the needs of mobile solution developers.   The centre, which is housed in Singtel’s Business Solutions Centre, provides developers with advanced IMS test-bed facilities and a proof of concept laboratory. This enables developers to thoroughly test their applications over Singtel’s 3G/3.5G network. 

 

Singtel offers developers basic training and consultancy services at no charge, as well as data SIM cards and call traffic at discounted rates.   To further bring down the cost of development, mobile devices are also provided by Singtel’s partners for testing purposes at no cost.

 

An extensive range of online tools and resources is available to developers via an innovation web-portal. This portal also serves as a platform for sharing ideas and knowledge.

 

Members can participate in joint-marketing activities with Singtel and its diverse eco-system of regional partners, including Bridge Alliance, Asia Pacific’s leading mobile alliance.   With over 158 million subscribers spanning 8 markets, Singtel is uniquely positioned to enable developers to promote their solutions, not just in Singapore, but also in the region.

 

Furthermore, participants of the programme will be able to exhibit their solutions in the annual enterprise innovation showcase organised by Singtel.   At this event, developers will have the opportunity to interact with Singtel’s corporate customers, many of whom are leaders in their respective industries. 

 

"IDA is excited by the possibilities created by this initiative. Through such strategic partnerships, there are many opportunities for innovation in mobile applications and contents.   For the local infocomm companies, they can generate their own intellectual property in products and services which will serve them well in the global market. Consumers will also enjoy the innovative products and services that will certainly enhance their connectivity and mobility in the Digital Age,” said RADM(NS) Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer, IDA, at the launch of the Singtel Partner Programme.

 

Mr James Loo, Chairman of the Wireless Chapter at Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF), said: “I am very pleased with the launch of the Singtel Partner Programme.   Now my members not only benefit from reduced

development costs at this new facility, they can also gain access to advanced pre-market mobile technologies from other companies participating in the programme.   This will help them to get their own products developed, tested and ready for the market in a shorter time.  The programme will give local mobile application developers a big competitive edge.”

 

Singtel’s CEO Singapore, Mr Allen Lew said: “Singtel shares IDA’s vision of strengthening Singapore’s position as a regional technology hub.   The Singtel Partner Programme will be a catalyst for innovation, as it seeks to establish an environment where ideas become reality.  The solutions developed from this programme will maximise the potential of the high bandwidth offered by 3G and HSPA networks.  Ultimately, customers will stand to benefit, as these solutions will enhance their lives through increased convenience and productivity.”