New Mobile Connection, Landline, Cable and Broadband

[crazysafari]

Hi all

Moving to Singapore soon , just wondering how do I go about getting 'connected.

I browsed through Singtel and starhub sites. I dont mind signing a 24 mth contract since I'll be there for that long. However not sure if there are any great saves by bundling, ie get all 4 from the same provider.

Any suggestions for popular plans and approx mthly expenses are most welcome. Don't mind a new handset, maybe iphone 4 with the mobile contract.

Here in Australia, I spend around A$120 a month for landline and cable internet (around 5MBps). Another A$40 for 2 mobile connections.
Can I get something in Singapore at comparable rates.

cheers

[zzm9980]

In my experience, and the suggestions of numerous co-workers when I moved here, go with Singtel if you care about mobile data on your phone (3G/4G). They all suck, significantly worse than everywhere else I've been extensively (US, Europe, HK/China, hell even Vietnam), but Singtel is the "least bad" by far.

As for home broadband (if you go with a package deal), go here and check if your building has fiber:
http://www.opennet.com.sg/

One thing to keep in mind in all of the ISP bandwidth quotes is the concept of local bandwidth and international bandwidth. Most (I think all?) of the ISPs give you significantly less bandwidth to sites outside of Singapore than inside. That isn't always a big problem since most major international sites with content rely on CDNs with a local presence (say, all of iTunes store, Facebook, etc). One other thing to consider too is that the ISPs that aren't Singtel usually go through Singtel's backbone to the internet. That's one more layer/potential for outages, so IMO a point in Singtel's favor as your ISP.

[BillyB]

You'll be able to get an equivalent deal for all 4 services - you might have to pay something toward the phone though depending on the level of services you take.

Check out starhub.com, singtel.com, and M1.com - they are the main three providers and usually have all sorts of deals.

[logo1234]

I have Starhub connection (TV, Phone and Broadband).
I would avoid Starhub. They will usually be the most competitive on costs but the quality of service and network will be patchy.
Singtel may well have the best infrastructure though customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

If I were you, I would compare plans. Note the M1 does not have a TV package so may not be a viable option for a combo package.

But overall, the quality of broadband and cell phone network is way off than most developed markets (and even developing markets). This is quite a surprise - Many of the emerging markets provide better coverage and speed.

IMHO

[Sir]

I've been warned by locals that Singtel is the worst for phone coverage... and actually have been experiencing compleate drop offs in signal on my own in the last few days, in random places like the middle of bugis or NUS.

thinking ill go with M1, seem to have the best phone pricing plans...need to look at broadband tho


edit


just looked, my building doesnt have fibre. does this mean no broadband?

[ecureilx]

I've been warned by locals that Singtel is the worst for phone coverage... and actually have been experiencing compleate drop offs in signal on my own in the last few days, in random places like the middle of bugis or NUS.

thinking ill go with M1, seem to have the best phone pricing plans...need to look at broadband tho


edit


just looked, my building doesnt have fibre. does this mean no broadband?

actually Singtel has great coverage, but there CS sucks .. so if you report they will just act like you are non-existant ..

No fiber means, you dont get the highest speed 'net' .. but you can still avail of the ADSL Broadband ..

[Sir]

ah, great! now to compare plans...

[zzm9980]

Yeah, I tried Starhub first when I got here. I found data coverage terrible for areas around and between roughly Raffles place <-> Paya Lebar <-> East Coast. I switched to Singtel, and while it isn't great, it's much better than Starhub. Starhub would show full signal but data would just time out for hours at a time. Singtel is up and down every so often, but overall mostly up. When it is down, I'll at least see the '3G' connection drop to GPRS or nothing so I know.

As for M1, never tried it. However, acquaintance works for a company acquired by M1. This person is not switching to M1 (from singtel) despite the very good employee rate because he believes M1's coverage is that much worse.

Also note when it comes to ISPs and international connectivity, Starhub and M1 mostly use Singtel's backbone anyway.

[zzm9980]

I will say though for everyone in the US that blasts AT&T, it is leagues and leagues above and beyond Singtel or any of the US carriers.

So if you're an American finding this thread in a search, and you're using AT&T as your benchmark of bad, you're in for a world of pain when you come to Singapore

[Strong Eagle]

I will say though for everyone in the US that blasts AT&T, it is leagues and leagues above and beyond Singtel or any of the US carriers.

So if you're an American finding this thread in a search, and you're using AT&T as your benchmark of bad, you're in for a world of pain when you come to Singapore

I thoroughly disagree with this assessment.

[nutnut]

I must admit, since coming to Singapore, I can honestly say I have not dropped a phone call (except maybe in the MRT underground or ina lift) but even then it's been pretty good most of the time, the data seems hit and miss. But in comparison to O2/T-Mobile/Virgin/Orange in the UK (Yes, I have been through them all at some point or another, all fairly recently too!) It is pretty good here!

I was surprised I could use my phone in the MRT when I got here, imagine trying in the tube in London!

Therefore, I +1 on SE.

[nakatago]

I was surprised I could use my phone in the MRT when I got here, imagine trying in the tube in London!

Therefore, I +1 on SE.

The telcos here installed repeaters inside buildings and other infrastructure. We actually have several on the ceiling in our office. The look like conical domes.

[ecureilx]

I was surprised I could use my phone in the MRT when I got here, imagine trying in the tube in London!

Therefore, I +1 on SE.

The telcos here installed repeaters inside buildings and other infrastructure. We actually have several on the ceiling in our office. The look like conical domes.

And they do install repeaters, if you complain .. or complain enough ..

In HDB areas too, if you are vocal enough, they will install repeaters, though I don't know for condos ..

[zzm9980]

I can use one then, since my phone is on Telkomsel almost as often as Singtel in my flat!

I should have pre-faced my statement above; I was judging almost solely on data connection. I've never had calls drop in Singapore except in the dead spot of my flat, but I would also only have them drop in very specific known spots by my place in the US.

[carteki]

The 3 major players as discussed are Singtel, Starhub and M1. From what I've gleaned through reading the forums is the following:
- Singtel is best for internet as all overseas internet traffic goes through their gateway. Depends on how fast you want your internet. I have no complaints with my Starhub connection. M1 were having some really cool fibre (100mbs) deals recently although there may still be a connection fee to your apartment.
- Starhub still has the best cable tv offering with Singtel somewhat behind - although you need to decide what you want to watch as to which is best for you
- mobile - I was recommended Singtel when I arrived and do occassionaly get dropped calls, but a lot less recently. 4 years ago Singtel had the best roaming, but I don't know what its like now.

Also check with where you work as to whether or not they have 'employee' packages. These are much better than straight off the street.