HSDPA goes mainstream
With the latest round of price cut, HSDPA in Singapore is ready for prime time. HSDPA is the 3.5G technology marketed as “mobile broadband” in Singapore. A quick glance will reveal that for under $20, consumers will be able to get a “mobile broadband” from each of the 3 telcos in Singapore, namely Singtel, Starhub and M1. At this price point, the average user can start to take a serious look at what this “mobile broadband” is all about and propel HSDPA to not just a geeks’ toy. We will take a look at each telco offerings and what it means for you.
singtel
I am on Singtel 512kbps plan for the past 4 months. I signed up for a 12 months contract, with 6 months free, effectively giving me a monthly cost of $11.21. Currently Singtel is having a promotion known as the premium pack, offering free 12 months over a 24 months contract. This simply means 50 % off each of the plan, which is in line with its competitors rates.
So what’s the Singtel deal about?
- Usage limit of 50GB per month,
- Lowest price plan in town, a 512kbps @ $11.21
- Free USB modem / $100 of any 3G or 3.5G phone
- Able to link the plan to your existing mobile line
- For normal price plan, minimum of 3 months contract
- 24 months contractual period applies for discounted price plan
starhub
Starhub has 2 plans, MaxMobile SurfLite @ 2mbps, and MaxMobile Ultimate @ 7.2mbps. However the real deal is for existing Starhub MaxOnline customers. Their plans are pretty confusing, but at a glance:
- Unlimited date usage
- Highest speed available in the market @ 7.2mbps
- Existing MaxOnline customers get 50% off MaxMobile Ultimate
- MaxOnline Plus gives you free MaxMobile SurfLite, valid till Dec 2008
- Free USB modem
- 24 months contractual period applies for discounted price plan
- In order to link to your existing mobile line, original price plan applies *
* Based on input from my friend.
m1
M1 had the first mover advantage and their price plans are pretty straight forward. Interesting point to note, their devices are “rented” and you have a wide selection to choose from, such as USB Modem, PC Card, and Router. If you need an additional router, rental charge of $10.70 per month applies. The key benefits of M1 Broadband V lies in its integrated solution of a home broadband and home line. Additionally, you can bring the same SIM card out for “mobile broadband” usage if you have the necessary hardware.
- Unlimited Data Usage
- Pricing is comparable to its competitors
- 24 months contractual period applies for discounted price plan
- M1 Broadband V offers free VOIP capability with rental of Huawei E960 Router
- No option to link to your existing mobile line *
* Based on input from my friend.
conclusion
Let us first get the context right. There are two use for 3.5G technology or “mobile broadband”. Firstly , it is to enable easy access to the Internet from your handsets. It provides the bandwidth for service provider to deliver more content to you. Think of the push email, Instant Messenger, Mobile Web browsing, IPTV on your handset etc.
Another use is what the local telcos have been pushing it for, as a “mobile infrastructure”, a.k.a “mobile broadband” for you to access the Internet anywhere through connecting devices over your standard desktops / laptops.
So before you make a decision, it is important you know what you will be using it for. If being always connected means more to you, then I say go for the lowest priced plan and speed does not matter that much. In order to be always connected, the best way is through your mobile smartphone, and on your smartphone, 512kbps will more than suffice, and I assure you the 50GB limit is not an issue. What you should be looking out for is the ability to link the data plan to your existing mobile number.
If you’re a mobile warrior, where speed is of essence and is integral to your work / play, then “mobile broadband” as marketed by the telcos will be good for your usage. What should be of concern to you will be the reliability and coverage of the network, and ultimately the support provided for these services.
Whatever type of user you are, mobile broadband is coming to our daily lives without doubt. Even if you do not see a need now, it is important to be aware that the Internet is no longer restricted to your desk or office, and a viable alternative is available in the market. It will change the way we work and play……
Neowster is short for Noel's & Esther's Own World. This is a personal hobbyist site, maintained mainly for the purpose of honing my knowledge in WordPress, and sharing useful information or knowledge to make someone's life easier. To a smaller extend, I hope to propagate the ideology of Crowdsourcing, as I see it as the best mechanism in regulating our unregulated capitalistic world, overcoming humanity's trait of greed, self interest, and fear, in arriving at the best decision. 
