Free mobile phone for 1 year contract

[Korcan]

Hello,

I am coming to Singapore with my wife at the end of July to study a masters degree at SMU for 1,5 years. I would like to get a free (reduced cost) mobile phone upon subscribing to one of the mobile networks. However, both Sinftel and MobileOne seem to have such offers on condition of 2 year contract.

Do you know what will happen if I terminate the contract (24 month contract) after 18 months?

Or, do you know such an offer for 12 or 18 month contract?

Finally, dou you know how mobile phone prices in Singapore compare with those in Dubai.

Thanks a lot.

[joop]

Did you ask M1 or Singtel this question since you knew the cotnract was for at least 2 years?

They would normally charge you a penalty based on which month you (prematurely) terminate.

[Saint]

Do you currently have mobiles at the the moment?

If so just get pay as you go SIM cards and top up when needed

[Korcan]

I did not ask them, I got the infor from their websites, I thought receiving a response here would have been quicker than asking the companies.

I have a mobile phone but it is quite old and I want to replace it in Singapore.

Thank you for your responses.

[taxico]

telcos generally allow contracts to be prematurely terminated if the customer has to leave singapore.

but this is done on a good-will basis, and on the general premise that the subscriber did not know he/she was only gonna be in singapore for 12 months.

proof has to be furnished (eg, completion of course letter by the school or letter from company stating customer is to be out-stationed).

there is no guarantee if it is found that subscriber actually knew but signed up anyway... (my best friend used to work in a call center in singapore)

why doncha go down to the main store (not those neighborhood stores) and ask for a 12 or 18 month contract instead? eg, starhub at plaza singapura... or m1 at paragon... or singtel at comcentre (??? not sure!)

the staff there may be better empowered to help you with such a special request.

this will save you a lot of grief and uncertainty down the road. especially if you don't need a powerfully advanced cell phone and don't wish to pay early termination charges.

lastly, my impression has always been that dubai is an awesome place to shop for stuff because it's tax/duty free... no?

[Korcan]

Thank you taxico.

I will follow your advice once I arrive in Singapore. Yes, Dubai should be the place to buy mobile phones. But I am a Turkish national living in Turkey. I have no connection to Dubai whatsoever. Where did you get this impression?

[taxico]

Finally, dou you know how mobile phone prices in Singapore compare with those in Dubai.

thought you were from dubai from that. : ) have a good time in singapore.