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Tag: StarHub

  • StarHub and NeutraDC Collaborate on Quantum-Secure Connectivity, Boosting Regional Digital Ecosystem

    StarHub and NeutraDC Collaborate on Quantum-Secure Connectivity, Boosting Regional Digital Ecosystem

    StarHub, in partnership with NeutraDC, a division of Telkom Indonesia specializing in data centers, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement is set to improve their joint efforts on quantum-safe connectivity solutions, which incorporates quantum-resistant encryption, post-quantum cryptography, and secure network infrastructure for the next generation. The intention behind these efforts is to bolster the digital services ecosystem in the region.

    Enhancing Regional Connectivity

    As part of their strategy to enhance regional connectivity, StarHub plans to establish a point of presence (PoP) at NeutraDC’s SNG-3 location in Singapore. This entails the integration of StarHub’s Low-Latency Data Centre Connect solution within NeutraDC’s digital infrastructure network. The result of this would be the enablement of enterprises to enjoy low-latency interconnectivity between data centers, cloud platforms, and essential business applications.

    This joint effort further bolsters Singapore’s role as a regional digital hub, providing enterprises with seamless, efficient, and secure access to data resources across Southeast Asia.

    Low-Latency Data Centre Connect Solution

    In the current digital economy, enterprises require a high-performance data exchange system between multiple data centers, cloud platforms, and applications. StarHub’s Low-Latency Data Centre Connect solution offers ultra-low-latency interconnect in Singapore, featuring a path with less than one millisecond to cable landing stations (CLS) for extensive regional reach.

    Quantum Security Adoption

    With the rise in security threats, quantum security is progressively being adopted as a substitute for current encryption standards. The collaboration between StarHub and NeutraDC aims to encourage the broad adoption of quantum-encrypted connectivity.

    Through the PoP at NeutraDC’s SNG-3, customers can benefit from direct CLS connectivity. This includes a fully comprehensive regional access route from data center to CLS to subsea cable, as well as software-defined networking (SDN) features like network slicing, multi-tenancy portals, and bandwidth-on-demand for dynamic scalability with data-intensive workloads. Additionally, quantum-safe encryption using post-quantum cryptography offers future-proof data protection, along with service orchestration that enables faster service provisioning and improved network agility.

    Tan Kit Yong, Chief of Regional Enterprise at StarHub, said, “Enterprises are currently facing unprecedented data demands. They require infrastructure that can match their growth pace. By collaborating with NeutraDC, we aim to simplify the process for businesses to move, protect, and scale their data. This will help them gain real performance advantages and expedite their digital transformation across the region.”

    NeutraDC Singapore’s CEO, Sendang Praptomo, expressed excitement about the collaboration with StarHub. He stated, “This strategic initiative strengthens NeutraDC’s strategy of providing seamless, secure, and cloud-ready connectivity to our regional Neutra Compute GPU clouds. Quantum-secure connectivity represents the new frontier of security, overcoming the limitations of current encryption standards. This will empower our customers to stay ahead of emerging threats and meet evolving business requirements.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is the aim of the MoU signed between StarHub and NeutraDC?
    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to enhance collaboration on quantum-safe connectivity solutions, with a focus on quantum-resistant encryption, post-quantum cryptography, and next-generation secure network infrastructure.

    How will the collaboration between StarHub and NeutraDC benefit enterprises?
    The collaboration will provide enterprises with low-latency interconnectivity between data centers, cloud platforms, and critical business applications. This will effectively strengthen Singapore’s role as a regional digital hub and offer efficient and secure access to data resources across Southeast Asia.

    What does the quantum-safe connectivity solution entail?
    Quantum-safe connectivity includes quantum-resistant encryption, post-quantum cryptography for future-proof data protection, and service orchestration for faster service provisioning and enhanced network agility.

  • StarHub’s H1 2025 Surge Powered by Broadband, Enterprise Solutions, and Cybersecurity Innovations

    StarHub’s H1 2025 Surge Powered by Broadband, Enterprise Solutions, and Cybersecurity Innovations

    StarHub’s financial report for the first half of 2025 has revealed promising growth across its service lines, highlighting the company’s resilience in a challenging market. The telecom operator’s service revenue climbed 3.0% year-over-year (YoY) to reach USD 976.1 million, while total revenue rose 2.2% YoY, totaling USD 1.1 billion. Notably, sectors such as broadband (+4.4%), regional enterprise (+6.8%), and cybersecurity services (+20.1%) were key contributors to this growth.

    Subtracting a one-time forfeiture payment of USD 14.1 million related to the return of 700 MHz spectrum rights, the net profit attributable to shareholders (NPAT) stood at USD 62.0 million for the period. Yes, you read that right—despite the hiccup, StarHub managed to maintain a healthy bottom line.

    Acknowledging Market Challenges with Confidence

    CEO Nikhil Eapen expressed optimism despite facing pressures from declining prices that threaten retail sustainability. He stated, “In a market where eroding prices challenge industry sustainability, we drove our industry-leading market position in broadband by upgrading our customers to UltraSpeed plans while extending our number two position in mobile by delivering for our customers the quality, reliability, and experience they expect from the StarHub brand.” Eapen also emphasized a commitment to an aggressive marketing strategy, positioning the company for a future market rebound.

    Enterprise Segment Fuels Growth

    The regional enterprise segment emerged as a major growth driver, with revenue reaching USD 296.1 million, an impressive increase of 6.8% YoY. Notably, managed services surged by 12.8% YoY, a reflection of higher project completions in modern digital infrastructure solutions. Meanwhile, cybersecurity emerged as a strong focal point for growth, with the segment recording a remarkable 20.1% YoY rise amid rising demand for advanced protection measures.

    Subscriber Growth and Diversified Revenue Streams

    StarHub’s mobile subscriber base saw an 8.2% YoY increase, fueled by a strong demand for SIM-only plans from its giga! and eight brands. Mobile revenue reached USD 274.1 million, while broadband revenue rose by 4.4% YoY to USD 128.3 million, supported by customers migrating to higher bandwidth plans. Additionally, the entertainment sector contributed USD 99.4 million, underscoring the success of StarHub’s Infinity Play, which seamlessly merges sports and over-the-top (OTT) content.

    Strategic Acquisitions and Future Plans

    In a noteworthy strategic initiative, StarHub has completed its full acquisition of MyRepublic Broadband, bolstering its brand and operational assets to enhance competitiveness in Singapore’s broadband landscape. Furthermore, the company has wrapped up the investment phase of its DARE+ program, transitioning its IT and network infrastructure to a hybrid multi-cloud environment. This move positions StarHub to scale modern digital infrastructure offerings and enhances the implementation of AI-driven automation.

    Eapen underscored that cybersecurity remains one of StarHub’s top strategic priorities and reaffirmed the company’s intent to boost investments in AI-native, cloud-driven defense capabilities to safeguard not just customer data but national infrastructure as well.

    Furthermore, Eapen noted, “Our transformation has also enabled us to move forward on a long-term deliberative cost-reduction roadmap centered around automation and AI, systems re-architecture, and business simplification.” Such strategic insights signal StarHub’s dedication to innovation while maintaining a pulse on cost management.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the main contributors to StarHub’s revenue growth in H1 2025?
    StarHub’s revenue growth was primarily driven by strong performances in broadband, regional enterprise, and cybersecurity services, indicating a diverse revenue stream that mitigates risks in a competitive market.

    How has StarHub responded to market challenges?
    StarHub is adapting to market challenges by aggressively promoting UltraSpeed plans and enhancing customer experience in its mobile segment to maintain a leading market position and prepare for future recovery.

    What strategic initiatives has StarHub undertaken recently?
    Recently, StarHub completed the full acquisition of MyRepublic Broadband to strengthen its brand and entered a new operational phase with its DARE+ program, shifting to a hybrid multi-cloud environment to enhance digital infrastructure and automation capabilities.

  • StarHub Completes Acquisition of MyRepublic Broadband, Strengthening Its Position in the ISP Market

    StarHub Completes Acquisition of MyRepublic Broadband, Strengthening Its Position in the ISP Market

    StarHub Ltd. has made waves in the Singapore telecommunications scene by acquiring the remaining 49.9% stake in MyRepublic Broadband Pte. Ltd. (MR Broadband) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, StarHub Online Pte. Ltd. This strategic move not only brings the MyRepublic brand under the StarHub umbrella but also secures crucial operational assets from MyRepublic Group Limited linked to MR Broadband’s business.

    A New Era for StarHub’s Broadband Strategy

    The acquisition marks a decisive step for StarHub as it establishes sole ownership of MR Broadband, reinforcing its leadership position in Singapore’s competitive broadband market. With full control, StarHub can streamline its strategies and capitalize on valuable brand equity and operational resources that are vital to MR Broadband’s growth. This development enhances StarHub’s multi-brand and multi-segment strategy, allowing the company to deliver more value through distinct services and bundled offerings.

    Nikhil Eapen Talks Ambition and Acceleration

    Nikhil Eapen, Chief Executive of StarHub, expressed the significance of this acquisition, stating:

    This isn’t just an acquisition; it’s an acceleration. We’ve laid a strong foundation for growth, and with MR Broadband fully under our wing, we can move faster, go further, and serve customers with even greater clarity and care.

    Milestone in StarHub’s Transformation Journey

    This transaction is a pivotal milestone for StarHub, coming on the heels of its extensive transformation efforts aimed at digitizing, automating, and modernizing its core operations. With this robust groundwork, StarHub is poised to focus on ongoing innovation, enhancing customer experiences (CX) while fostering sustainable growth. As Singapore’s broadband landscape evolves, StarHub is taking a proactive role in shaping the next phase of consolidation, prioritizing customer outcomes.

    In a further reflection on market dynamics, Eapen noted:

    We’re in a phase of consolidation, and we’re not just watching it unfold; we’re shaping it. As the market shifts, scale, quality, and resilience matter more than ever. Smaller players may find it harder to sustain, especially without robust platforms. Our role is to step up to provide the reliability, performance, and consistency that customers deserve at a time when they need it most.

    Strengthening Customer Reliability

    This acquisition reaffirms StarHub’s commitment as the provider of choice for local consumers seeking superior services, ensuring that an increasing number of customers in Singapore can access reliable, high-quality broadband and mobile services—without sacrificing their user experience. With a splash of bold ambition, StarHub is not simply expanding; it’s redefining expectations in a rapidly changing market.

    Questions & Answers

    How does this acquisition affect StarHub’s market position?
    The acquisition solidifies StarHub’s leadership in Singapore’s broadband market, allowing for streamlined strategies and enhanced service offerings.

    What does Nikhil Eapen mean by ‘acceleration’ in the context of this acquisition?
    Eapen describes ‘acceleration’ as a way to emphasize that the full ownership of MR Broadband will enable StarHub to move more swiftly in its strategic initiatives, improving customer service.

    How is StarHub planning to innovate post-acquisition?
    StarHub aims to focus on enhancing customer experiences and fostering sustainable growth, adapting to the evolving broadband landscape while prioritizing customer needs.

  • StarHub Earns Cisco Certifications, Boosts Tech Leadership

    StarHub Earns Cisco Certifications, Boosts Tech Leadership

    These accomplishments showcase StarHub’s ability to provide secure, scalable IT and customer engagement solutions with extensive expertise and a strong service delivery record. With Cisco‘s enhanced technologies, StarHub is better prepared to assist businesses in modernizing their operations and improving customer connections.

    Tan Kit Yong, Head of Enterprise Business Group at StarHub, stated, “This recognition goes beyond technical excellence; it confirms our dedication to enabling significant transformation for our customers. As technology becomes increasingly crucial for business success, we are committed to delivering intelligent, future-ready solutions that help our customers operate more efficiently, work smarter, and lead confidently.”

    The Cisco Premier Provider Certification is given to partners who consistently offer high-quality managed services with proven technical skills. Additionally, the Cisco Powered Webex Contact Center Specialization acknowledges StarHub’s ability to provide advanced, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered contact center solutions on a large scale.

    Jamie Romanin, Director of Webex Customer Experience at Cisco Systems, Asia Pacific, Japan, and China, expressed, “At Cisco, partnership is central to our operations. We are thrilled to collaborate with StarHub as a valued Premier Provider Partner and congratulate them on achieving the Cisco Powered Services Webex Contact Center Specialization. This accomplishment demonstrates their deep understanding of our contact center solutions and their proven ability to effectively deliver managed solutions. Together, we will empower more businesses to utilize Webex Contact Center and Webex AI Agent to transform customer engagement and achieve meaningful business results.”

    For businesses, this means quicker solution implementation, streamlined support processes, and consistent service quality, all supported by StarHub’s team of certified experts and Cisco lifecycle services. As customer and IT requirements evolve, StarHub remains committed to keeping technology simple, reliable, and designed to deliver tangible results.

  • StarHub and Chubb partner to safeguard customers against online risks

    StarHub and Chubb partner to safeguard customers against online risks

    Digital service provider to help customers mitigate the impact of online risks, StarHub and Chubb Insurance Singapore Limited (Chubb) have introduced CyberCover, a cyber protection policy designed to provide financial support for StarHub mobile and broadband customers affected by cyber-bullying, identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and undelivered or discrepancies in online purchases.

    With CyberCover, cyber protection, traditionally offered to only enterprises, has now become accessible and affordable for all consumers, providing individuals and families with financial support in the event of cyber threats.

    “Boldly embarking on DARE+ to be the digital service provider with the most enriching experiences for our customers, we are taking a leap towards offering much-needed services that complement our mobile and broadband subscriptions as well as our best-in-class network,” said Johan Buse, chief, consumer business group, StarHub. “Cybercrimes are on the rise, and as the cases strike closer to home, we want to give our customers peace of mind, knowing that StarHub will be there to help them get back on their feet during difficult times. Following the recent launch of our CyberSecure Business Solution to safeguard enterprises, we are now pleased to work with Chubb to extend a safety net to our customers, empowering them to do more of what they love without feeling threatened by dangers online.”

    Chubb’s country president for Singapore, Kevin Bogardus said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an increase in digital consumption – users are spending more time on social media platforms and consumers are engaging more in digital payments. As digital footprint goes up, so does the likelihood of cyber risk exposure. We are very excited about our partnership with StarHub to offer CyberCover. It is through this personal protection solution that we want to provide StarHub’s customers and their family members with practical support in the face of cybercrimes.“

  • Starhub reports $30.5 million net profit in 1Q2021

    Starhub reports $30.5 million net profit in 1Q2021

    StarHub announced its business performance update for the quarter ended 31 March 2021. Total revenue for 1Q2021 was $487.1 million, service EBITDA was $115.4 million while net profit attributable to shareholders (“Net Profit”) was $30.5 million.

    Total revenue declined 3.8% in 1Q2021 compared to the equivalent period a year ago due mainly to COVID-19 impact. Service EBITDA declined 8.2% lower year-on-year to $115.4 million in tandem with lower revenues, offset by lower operating expenses and higher other income. net profit for the quarter declined 24.0% YoY.

    StarHub’s balance sheet remains healthy with 1Q2021 free cash flow of $97.4 million and a lower net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.29x as at 31 March 2021 compared to 1.41x as at 31 December 2020.

    Commenting on the results, StarHub’s Chief Executive, Nikhil Eapen, said, “While the first quarter of 2021 remains challenging with ongoing travel restrictions and headwinds from the global pandemic, we remained focused on our strategic and transformation objectives.”

    “We are pleased to see stabilization on a quarter-on-quarter basis for our Pay-TV and Broadband segments, while competition remained intense in the Mobile segment. Strategically, we remain focused on driving differentiation with rich content and entertainment experiences delivered over our superior network to bring unique value to customers. This has resulted in growth over the last quarter for our 5G Mobile+ plans and enhanced OTT content offerings.”

    “Our Enterprise business has observed increased business activity in 1Q2021 as deferred projects in 2020 are re-committed for 2021 and beyond. Concurrently, we continue to position for growth in the areas of 5G, IoT, and Cloud with the launch of our 5G IoT partnership with Software AG during the quarter and our award of the Microsoft Gold certification that will bolster our capabilities to offer innovative digital solutions to customers.”

    “Meanwhile, we continue to execute on our cost transformation program, optimizing discretionary operating expenditures, driving greater internal efficiencies, and evolving our business models. The 5G standalone network rollout that commenced in 4Q2020, as well as our multi-year IT and Digital Transformation program that started in 3Q2020 are both progressing well. We actively seek opportunities to capitalize on these investments and build an agile digital platform to secure StarHub’s sustainable growth and competitiveness.”

  • Nokia deploys first 5G standalone RAN in Southeast Asia to M1-Starhub JV in Singapore

    Nokia deploys first 5G standalone RAN in Southeast Asia to M1-Starhub JV in Singapore

    Nokia announced the first 5G standalone (“SA”) Radio Access Network (“RAN”) Sharing network in South East Asia. The company has been selected by Antina Pte. Ltd. (“Antina”), a joint venture formed by mobile network operators M1 and StarHub, following a competitive tender process, to deploy 5G SA networks across Singapore. The commercial deployment of a 5G SA network will introduce compelling new use cases and cater for the growing data demand in the country, putting Singapore at the forefront of 5G standalone technology in the region.

    The partnership will enable Antina’s customers – M1, StarHub and other mobile service providers on wholesale arrangements – to benefit from a game-changing ultra-high speed, low-latency and highly secure 5G SA network that will reduce complexity and increase cost efficiencies. It will also enable new use cases across entertainment, cloud gaming, transportation, education and healthcare.

    Nokia will provide equipment from its comprehensive AirScale portfolio and CloudRAN solution to build the Radio Access Network (RAN) for the 5G SA infrastructure, utilizing the 3.5GHz spectrum band. Nokia will supply 5G base stations and its small cells solution for indoor coverage, as well as other radio access products. Nokia’s 5G SA technology will provide Singaporean enterprises with the opportunity to explore multiple new use cases due to the network’s higher bandwidth, higher uplink speeds and lower-latency.

    Nokia CloudRAN solution is designed to enable Antina to build a more agile business, meet new traffic demands, make better use of spectrum as well as optimize performance and mitigate costs. Nokia’s CloudRAN technology is expected to provide Antina with the flexibility to meet customer demands in the evolving 5G era. Nokia’s NetAct network management, CloudBand Application Manager and CloudBand Infrastructure Software will streamline operations and securely manage Antina’s networks.

    The commercial launch of this 5G SA network in Singapore will underpin the infrastructure for a vibrant 5G ecosystem.

    Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks, Nokia, said: “This is an important win for Nokia that demonstrates our leadership in commercial-grade Cloud RAN as well as mobile operators’ trust in our capabilities for rapidly transitioning to 5G standalone networks. We look forward to supporting Antina in the deployment of a successful rollout of the 5G SA network in Singapore which aligns with the country’s vision of creating a world-class 5G infrastructure. We hope other global markets considering making the move to 5G SA will take note of Antina’s success.”

  • StarHub and Software AG partner for new 5G IoT platform service

    StarHub and Software AG partner for new 5G IoT platform service

    As Internet of Things (IoT) plays an increasingly important role in driving digital economies and business success, Singapore’s StarHub and Germany-based Software AG have teamed up to offer an end-to-end 5G-ready IoT service to help organizations in Singapore accelerate IoT implementations on a massive scale.

    Through this partnership, StarHub is proud to offer 5G IoT platform service, a new one-stop solution that provides IoT connectivity including StarHub’s 5G, device management, professional services to integrate existing or new systems, and managed services to run the entire IoT environment for any organization.

    As a comprehensive platform, the 5G IoT platform service intelligently connects, manages, and monitors millions of IoT devices deployed for different applications, creates customizable analytics, and provides APIs to integrate with existing and new systems. This will help organizations to accelerate their IoT implementations. It is offered to companies as a service on a subscription model, allowing full flexibility, instant scalability, and financial prudence.

    Charlie Chan, Chief of Enterprise Business Group at StarHub, said: “Amid digital disruption and rapid changes in the economy, StarHub’s call remains the same – Our customers are transforming to remain globally competitive, and we want to be our customers’ enabling partner of choice when it comes to both core connectivity and innovative managed solutions. We are pleased to collaborate with Software AG to provide an advanced, 5G-ready IoT solution that helps our customers across multiple industries including property, retail, and transport, speed up or scale IoT implementations to boost productivity and innovation as well as realize cost-saving.”

    Bernd Gross, CTO of Software AG added: “Data is so fundamentally important for businesses to succeed in the future that they must master how to collect and analyze it if they are to be competitive. 5G brings more speed, lower latency, and support for a massive amount of endpoints, which means that data can flow between the edge and the core of any organization. Once you know what’s happening in every part of your business, you can understand how to make it better – and that is the opportunity we will bring to customers alongside StarHub.”

    StarHub’s 5G IoT platform service allows organizations to aggregate all of its existing IoT applications and connected devices for a real-time, clear overview on a single aggregator platform, without a need for platform migration. New IoT applications and connected devices can also be integrated easily with this aggregator platform. With that, enterprise customers can acquire and analyze massive volumes of data from its existing independent IoT systems to gain new, accurate, in-depth understanding of how well their assets operate, in a consolidated manner.

    In the case of a public transport operator, StarHub’s 5G IoT platform service can provide real-time vehicle tracking, automated inspection of the vehicle condition and predict potential issues of the vehicles to take precautionary measures, improve fleet operational efficiency and reduce downtime. With additional data such as weather, traffic conditions, the operations director can view and analyze these insights from the same dashboard and act accordingly to optimize the fleet.

    For a facility management company, it can use StarHub’s 5G IoT platform service to develop smart building maintenance strategies to serve building owners better, differentiate their services from competition or improves operational efficiencies. This is because the service can bring together separate IoT systems that manage different areas of the facility – electricity consumption, rubbish bin usage, washroom cleanliness, footfall, and more, presenting a complete picture of all IoT data. With the right information and context about what is going on in the building, the facility manager can pinpoint issues and trace faults quickly or carry out preventive maintenance responsibly.

  • Starhub, Amazon Prime strike new membership deal for subscribers

    Starhub, Amazon Prime strike new membership deal for subscribers

    StarHub has become the first info-communications company in Singapore to offer Amazon Prime membership to its entire mobile customer base, including no-contract SIM Only and prepaid customers.

    StarHub is home to more than 40 unique channels, amassing diverse entertainment programming of over 160 ‘live’ and on-demand channels in total. In collaboration with Amazon following the launch of its Singapore marketplace Amazon.sg, StarHub now enables its mobile customers to enjoy the full range of Amazon Prime membership benefits, from fast, free delivery on millions of items on Amazon.sg and Prime Now, to unlimited streaming of Amazon Original series, popular movies and hit TV shows on Prime Video, as well as access to free games and in-game loot on Twitch Prime. The Amazon Prime membership is available at S$2.99 per month.

    “We are reaffirming our #HelloChange commitment in 2020 to deliver to customers the best experience and transparent offers without a contract,” said Johan Buse, Chief of Consumer Business Group, StarHub. “Offering innovative digital lifestyle services with best-in-class businesses enhances our customers’ experience, and we are delighted to announce this collaboration with Amazon Singapore. First, to offer Amazon Prime membership for all StarHub Mobile customers, we enable them to enjoy the best of Amazon’s shopping and entertainment options on Singapore’s fastest mobile network.”

    “We are pleased to collaborate with StarHub to offer Amazon Prime membership to more people in Singapore,” said Henry Low, Country Manager, Amazon Singapore. “We welcome StarHub customers to experience the many benefits of Amazon Prime, including exclusive shopping deals on items they love most on Amazon.sg and Prime Now, free and fast delivery on millions of products, unlimited streaming of movies and TV series on Prime Video, and a wide selection of free games on Twitch Prime.”

    All StarHub Mobile customers will enjoy a three-month Amazon Prime membership on StarHub when they get a new #HelloChange two-year or no-contract SIM Only plan. Existing customers can also enjoy the same offer by renewing their two-year plans or upgrading to the abovementioned plans.

    After the renewal or sign-up is complete, customers can simply activate their Amazon Prime membership through the My StarHub app. Following the three-month period, the Amazon Prime membership is available at $2.99 per month, which will be charged to their StarHub Mobile bill.

    Additionally, StarHub also launched a new prepaid data plan with Amazon Prime. The data plan is called ‘600MB with Amazon Prime’ and offers prepaid customers four weeks of Amazon Prime membership and 600MB of data for $6.

    These customers can conveniently extend their Amazon Prime membership by buying the same data plan through the StarHub Prepaid app. Customers who need more data can add on other plans, from as low as $3 for 1GB to options that offer free data usage on Sundays.

    Amazon Prime members in Singapore can enjoy three main benefits as part of their membership; shopping and delivery, entertainment and gaming. For shopping and delivery, members will enjoy a free one-day local delivery with no minimum purchase on Amazon.sg’s domestic Prime eligible selection, free international delivery on millions of eligible items from Amazon US on Amazon.sg for orders over S$60, free two-hour delivery for tens of thousands of items, including groceries and household essentials on Prime Now, for orders above S$40 and 30 minutes early access to Prime eligible lightning deals and exclusive access to special shopping deals and events before other customers.

    In terms of entertainment, Amazon Prime members can stream or download Amazon Originals, popular movies and TV shows on Amazon Prime Video, including critically acclaimed and award-winning Amazon Originals such as Carnival Row, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Good Omens, Mirzapur, Made in Heaven, Inside Edge and more. There is also a range of content for the whole family including Pete the Cat, Just Add Magic, and Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny. Prime Video is available via the Prime Video app on select smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, game consoles, Apple TV, Chromecast, or online at PrimeVideo.com. In the Prime Video app, users can download all episodes on their mobile devices and tablets and watch anywhere offline at no additional cost. Prime Video also offers exclusive X-Ray functionality. Powered by IMDb, X-Ray uses authoritative data that gives users instant access to cast photos, bios and filmographies, and soundtrack info related to your TV shows and movies while you watch, right on the screen.

    Lastly, a selection of free games every month, exclusive in-game loot, and a free channel subscription on Twitch.tv will also be offered in the membership.

  • StarHub selects Red Hat to help train its engineers

    StarHub selects Red Hat to help train its engineers

    Singapore’s StarHub has selected Red Hat to provide specialized training for its Integrated Network Engineering team to help them keep abreast of best practices in next-generation cloud-based platforms.

    Under the agreement, StarHub engineers will take part in the Red Hat Training and Certification program based on the Red Hat OpenStack Platform, which the operator has deployed across its infrastructure.

    The program will include hands-on and lab-based training designed to help them better understand Red Hat tools to enable the faster delivery of OpenStack solutions, as well as training and knowledge of selected tools and solutions for various real-world scenarios.

    The Integrated Network Engineering team is tasked with designing and maintaining efficient and scalable fixed and wireless networks for StarHub’s Singapore operations. It is led by StarHub CTO Chong Siew Loong.

    “Our networks can only be as good as the team managing them. This is why at StarHub, we invest in the development of our people to maintain the high levels of professional competency required to offer our customers the best network experience,” Chong said.

    “Amid rapid technological advances, we work with renowned software companies like Red Hat to hone skills that are not only relevant today, but a catalyst for future innovation.”

  • StarHub launches SD-WAN solution through ngena

    StarHub launches SD-WAN solution through ngena

    Singapore’s StarHub has announced an innovative SD-WAN solution through its partnership with the Next Generation Enterprise Network Alliance (ngena).

    The new solution is designed to meet the needs of multinational companies choosing to set up a global or regional base in Singapore, as well as local companies looking to expand into overseas markets.

    The fully managed SD-WAN service offers robust network connectivity, the ability to scale and a global reach.

    As one of the current 24 partners of ngena, StarHub is connected to a single global network through a common platform that integrates all alliance partners’ networks. This allows the telco to offer end-to-end managed SD-WAN services to promptly serve enterprises with geographically distributed operations.

    “Networking capabilities are crucial to the success of enterprises in the digital era, keeping business operations running and enabling employees to be productive. We are very pleased that with our partnership with ngena, our customers can benefit from StarHub SD-WAN, a global network connectivity service that is secure, stable, scalable and easy to use while they depend on StarHub for local support,” StarHub chief of enterprise business Dr Chong Yoke Sin said.

    As a result, they can realize real gains in increased productivity and lower IT costs as well as enjoy the ease of dealing with one service provider. We are also excited to enable our alliance partners to offer reliable, high-speed, and secure data connectivity services for their customers with Singapore-based operations.”

  • Konnectivity to buy out remaining shares of M1

    Konnectivity to buy out remaining shares of M1

    Konnectivity, the joint venture buying out Singapore’s M1, has revealed plans to embark on a multi-year transformation of the operator to enhance its competitiveness in the market. The venture revealed it will compulsorily acquire the remaining shares in M1 after securing a 94.55% stake.

    Konnectivity, which is jointly owned by Keppel Corporation and Singapore Press Holdings, announced it will exercise its rights to acquire all remaining M1 shares at the offer price of S$2.06 ($1.52) per share, and then take the company private.

    After the compulsory acquisition, Konnectivity will own 80.69% in M1, while Keppel Corp subsidiary Keppel Telecommunications and Transportation will own the remainder.

    After the acquisition closes, Keppel Corporation and SPH plan to work with M1 on a transformation strategy focused on the three prongs of innovation, technology adoption, and digitalization to help Singapore’s smallest operator better compete with larger rivals Singtel and StarHub.

    “As a member of the Keppel Group, M1 looks forward to working closely with the Keppel Group and with SPH to accelerate the changes needed to deliver even more innovative and compelling products and services, to stay ahead of the competition,” M1 CEO Manjot Singh Mann said.

    “M1 shall endeavour to transform to be at the heart of convergence of various digital services and technologies that present day consumers and enterprises demand. Keppel and SPH bring with them their organisational strengths and stability, which will help us chart our growth plans aggressively, while seeking significant opportunities of synergy with them.”

  • StarHub offering free local calls to prepaid customers

    StarHub offering free local calls to prepaid customers

    Singapore’s StarHub has started offering prepaid customers free outgoing local calls as long as they have an active data plan. The company will continue offering prepaid customers free local calls for the duration of their data plan, even if they run out of data.

    StarHub offers customers a choice of six prepaid data plan over its Happy Prepaid app, starting at S$2 for 30MB of data and free outgoing calls for three days. An S$8 mid-tier option adds 1GB and free calls for seven days, while an S$25 plan offers 5GB of data and free calls for 30 days.

    “Just by being on our new prepaid data plans, customers can enjoy the best of two worlds – surfing on Singapore’s fastest 4G network and chatting with family, friends and co-workers easily and affordably,” StarHub VP of marketing Donovan Kik said.

    “Simplicity is key and we will continually enhance our services to ensure we deliver the best possible experience to customers.”

  • StarHub pursuing network sharing to cut costs

    StarHub pursuing network sharing to cut costs

    Singapore’s StarHub has revealed it is pursuing network sharing arrangements to further cut costs, after announcing a planned 12% reduction in the operator’s workforce.

    The operator could reach a commercial network sharing agreement shortly and be reaping financial benefits by the end of next year, the company’s CEO Peter Kaliaropoulos.

    The company’s new CEO, who took his position in July, said sharing of facilities is a necessity once an industry hits maturity.

    StarHub and smaller rival M1 have already indicated that they are evaluating further collaboration on mobile infrastructure sharing to reduce costs.

    Earlier this month, StarHub announced it will cut 300 jobs as part of cost reduction efforts aimed at saving S$210 million ($152.3 million) over the next three calendar years.

    According to the report, Kaliaropoulos believes StarHub needs to be leaner and more agile and focus its resources on growth areas such as its enterprise business.

    The company is under particular pressure due to the recent entry of Australia’s TPG as Singapore’s fourth mobile operator. Kaliaropoulos warned that the Singapore market may not be large enough to sustain four mobile operators, hinting that the smallest player may find it difficult to survive.

  • Singtel and Starhub to offer Google Pixel 3 in Singapore

    Singtel and Starhub to offer Google Pixel 3 in Singapore

    The local telcos will include Google merchandise as part of their promo. Both Singtel and Starhub will offer Google’s flagship phone Pixel 3 as it launches in Singapore. Google itself will sell the handset through its online store starting 1 November.

    With price ranging from $1,249 for its 5.5-inch model and $1,399 for the 6.3-inch XL model, Google’s flagship will be sold in three colours including Just Black, Clearly White, and new colour Not Pink which will be sold exclusively by Singtel.

    Those who will buy from Singtel will also get a free Google Pixel Stand worth $119 when they additionally purchase certain data subscriptions. Meanwhile, those who will buy from Starhub will get Google Assistant worth $189 as a freebie.

    “Pixel users can gain an edge while streaming high-definition videos and chatting with the Google Assistant,” Starhub vice president of segment and marketing Donovan Kik said.

    Singtel launched the phone for pre-orders on 10 October.