M1 refreshes 10 Gbps fibre broadband plan

Singapore's M1 is announcing a refreshed fibre broadband plan designed to deliver greater flexibility and choice. 

The new M1 10 Gbps fibre broadband plan is priced at S$34.90 per month for a 24-month contract and includes:

- Complimentary, 24-month mobile broadband (Bespoke SurfValue)

- A home fixed voice line 

- Free registration (worth S$61.04) 

- Free optical network terminal (ONT) activation (worth up to S$123.41)

Router bundles now operate on a “choose what you need” basis, allowing customers to select from top-tier WiFi 7 routers:

- ASUS RT-BE92U (usual price or UP, S$399) at an additional S$9/month

- TP-Link Archer BE805 (UP S$799) at an additional S$10/month 

- ASUS ZenWiFi BT10 (pack of two, UP S$1,299) at an additional S$21/month

This flexibility ensures households enjoy tailored options that match their connectivity needs and budget. This refreshed offer provides direct savings for those already equipped with high-end routers and direct customisation for new buyers seeking to pair broadband with WiFi 7 devices.

Unlike traditional networks, M1’s fibre broadband plans run on a 10 gigabit symmetrical passive optical network (XGSPON), which enables symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Apart from low-latency content sharing and high-definition video streaming on multiple devices, this boost in speed and performance will supercharge experiences for households with high bandwidth demands.

 

Details 

 

This 10 Gbps fibre broadband promotion is only open to eligible new or re-contracting customers without a current service contract. Full terms and conditions are available at www.m1.com.sg/home-broadband

 

26 May 2024

New GlocalMe mobile devices aim to redefine how consumers connect and communicate

GlocalMe, the digital lifestyle brand under uCloudLink Group, has introduced the GlocalMe Life KeyTracker, RoamPlug and Unicord. The new GlocalMe Life devices come with uCloudlink’s patented Cloud SIM technology that enables fast, reliable and secured Internet connectivity in over 200 countries and regions, minimising the need for roaming and international mobile data plans. GlocalMe Life devices will dynamically select the best network coverage at any given time and location globally.

“We envision a world where every individual, regardless of their location or circumstance, is seamlessly connected rather than be bound by the limitations of a single network operator, expensive data roaming plans or the unpredictability of unsecured Wi-Fi,” said Chaohui Chen, CEO of uCloudlink.

“The GlocalMe Life series represents more than just a technological advancement, it's a paradigm shift — a fusion of innovation, simplicity and practicality. It mirrors the dynamic interplay between technology and lifestyle that seamlessly adapts to the needs of today's digital consumers. The new GlocalMe Life products we’ve introduced are more than just mobile devices, they are designed to bridge connectivity barriers and provide a seamless and minimalistic experience for individuals no matter where they are in the world.”

GlocalMe Life KeyTracker (retail US$49.99-54.99)

The GlocalMe Life KeyTracker is a small and lightweight tracker. It connects to a smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth to pinpoint the exact location on the GlocalMe mobile app through six-fold relocation technology, with multinetwork multibase station positioning and active radar search for up to 100 m. The GlocalMe Life KeyTracker is available for purchase starting June 11, 2024 on GlocalMe’s official website.

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/BL2JrR6SAlg

GlocalMe Life RoamPlug (retail US$99.99)

More than a universal travel adapter, the GlocalMe Life RoamPlug is a one-for-all device with four charger ports (three USB-C and one USB-A) that combines smart charging and built-in mobile Wi-Fi. When not being used as an adapter, it can also be used as a mobile hotspot. The GlocalMe Life RoamPlug is available for purchase from June 17, 2024 on GlocalMe’s official website.

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/ZodnuJ7nGBU

GlocalMe Life Unicord (retail US$29.99)

Feature	Offer
Monthly price	S$34.90
Router	Optional add-on, from S$9/month
Mobile broadband (Bespoke SurfValue)	Complimentary 24 months
Registration fee (worth S$61.04)	Waived
ONT registration (worth up to S$123.41)	Waived
Home fixed voice line	Complimentary 24 months
Contract period	24 months

Source: GlocalMe. The Life Unicord.

The GlocalMe Life Unicord is a USB C to C cable with built-in mobile Wi-Fi capabilities. Simply connect the cable to a power source or laptop directly, and the mobile Wi-Fi module on the cable will instantly serve as a hotspot. The GlocalMe Life Unicord will be available for purchase on June 17, 2024 on GlocalMe’s official website.

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/IW5tglzazuw

For more information about GlocalMe’s data mall and service plans, visit https://www.glocalme.com/product-category/special-data-offer/. The Asia Basic DayPass offers 1 GB data at 4G high speed daily, after that it will be unlimited data at 3G speed, per day for US$7.99. There is a minimum purchase of five days. 

The countries covered include: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, India, Jordan, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, KSA, Kuwait, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, UAE, and Vietnam.

StarHub launches affordable home broadband plan

Source: StarHub. Poster for the StarHub 5 Gbps broadband plan.

StarHub will offer the first ever 5 Gbps broadband plan tailored for households in Singapore. 

Equipped with the latest fibre technology, this plan will ensure that customers can experience enhanced connectivity with less interference. The 5 Gbps broadband plan guarantees symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5x faster than a 1 Gbps broadband plan, ensuring smoother streaming experiences and uninterrupted online interactions. Gamers will also be able to engage in immersive gaming experiences without worrying about lag, StarHub said.

Created for higher-capacity usage, the expanded bandwidth of this plan will accommodate more devices to be connected effortlessly at the same time. Installations for customers will be provided at no added costs, StarHub said, with its Hubtroopers recommending the most suitable location for router placement in homes.

StarHub’s 5 Gbps broadband plan is available at a promotional price of S$45/month at all StarHub stores and online for a limited time. This plan will also include a Nokia Optical Network WiFi 6 wireless router, and complimentary Amazon Prime access for three months. 

Explore

Learn about bundle information at https://www.starhub.com/personal/broadband.html.

Singtel ups max speeds on fibre broadband for home offices

Singtel will offer a 10Gbps fibre broadband service to residential customers in Singapore starting this month. Leveraging on its Next Generation 10GPON or Gigabit Passive Optical Network, this first-of-its-kind service for residential customers follows the launch of the pilot phase last year.

Goh Seow Eng, MD, Home, Consumer Singapore, Singtel, said, “We made a commitment to our customers to bring them the best network innovations, the very latest technologies for work and play. We recognise that residential customers are using greater bandwidth and requiring faster speeds for their online activities.”

Through a dedicated, ultra-high-speed 10Gbps wired connection*, users will be able to download and stream at larger volumes of data. The service, which also features four 1Gbps ports, can serve as a home networking solution for multi-user environments such as home offices and large households. This will enable individuals working from home to conduct multiple videoconferences, file transfer sessions and even run a home business without compromising on connectivity and bandwidth.

To enhance their 10Gbps experience, customers can set up Singtel’s latest WiFi Mesh to improve wireless performance and connectivity in their homes. WiFi Mesh ensures consistent bandwidth at high speeds and increased coverage, providing robust wireless connectivity for data-demanding applications.

Interested?

Singtel’s 10Gbps Fibre Home Bundle** is priced at S$189/month and includes a 10G optical network router, a wireless Dual-Band AC router, NetLink Trust installation and Singtel weekday installation, a 4G Mobile Broadband 500MB subscription, and for a limited period, a pair of WiFi Mesh devices worth S$240.  Customers can register their interest up to 15 February.  
                                             

System Requirements***,****	End User Macintosh	PC
Processor	Core i7 minimum	Core i7-4790K minimum
System Memory	8GB RAM minimum	8GB RAM minimum
Hard disk	SSD	SSD, PCI-E interface
OS	Mac OS X	Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
Cable	Cat6/6a cable	Cat6/6a cable
Required connection port	10 Gigabit Ethernet port (10GBase-T) network card or Thunderbolt 2 to 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapter (e.g. SANLink2)	10 Gigabit Ethernet port (10GBase-T) network card

*10-GbE copper (10GBase-T) network port required to communicate over CAT6 (or 6a/7) copper LAN cable to another 10-Gb-T supported computer or network device. Actual speed experienced using the service will be dependent on various elements such as the bandwidth of the destination application, performance of your device and other extraneous factors.  

**Plan comes with 24-month contract. Terms and conditions apply. 

***Customers can connect a 10 Gigabit switch to the 10GbE optical network router (ONR) port available to share connection to more 10GbE computers or network attached storage (NAS) devices   

****Customers can utilise the ONR 4x1GbE to distribute bandwidth to multiple rooms with any existing Gigabit Ethernet enabled devices/computers/WiFi routers   

Google brings free Wi-Fi to Mumbai Central Station, introduces Indic keyboard app

Source: Google Asia Pacific blog.

Starting 22 January, those passing through Mumbai Central station in India will have access to free, high-speed Wi-Fi, courtesy of Google. The service is part of a project announced in September 2015 to provide high-speed public Wi-Fi in 400 train stations across India.

Working with Indian Railways, which operates one of the world's largest railway networks, and RailTel, which provides Internet services as RailWire via its fibre network along many of the railway lines, Google's Access & Energy team plans to cover 100 of the busiest stations in India before the end of 2016, with the remaining stations following in quick succession.

"We’re hoping those of you from — or travelling through — Allahabad, Jaipur, Patna and Ranchi, will be as excited to learn that your stations are up next!" said Gulzar Azad, Head of Access Programs in India for Google in a blog post.

"Commuters will be able to tell if there is high-speed Wi-Fi available if they can see the ‘RailWire Wi-Fi’ network in Wi-Fi settings. If you see it, select it and follow the simple steps below to gain access on your phone and up to two additional devices, like a laptop or tablet — you’ll just need an Indian mobile number to get an access code for each device."

Azad said the Wi-Fi will initially be free, with a drop in speed after the first hour online. The long-term intention is to charge for the service in some way for self-sustainability.

The news follows an 18 January announcement that Google has developed a touch-based keyboard for the easier input of Hindi—and ten other Indian languages—with a phone or tablet. The Google Indic Keyboard app has been downloaded over 10 million times, and supports the alphabet used for that language, a transliteration keyboard, and handwriting input. Both Latin characters and native characters are recognised.

"By making mobile input easier for almost one billion speakers of Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu, we also hope to see more engaging content in these languages on the web," said Linda Lin, Product Manager, Google in a separate blog post.

January 2016 also saw the launch of YouTube home pages customised for Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in the local language and domain. YouTube was previously available in Nepali, Sinhalese and Urdu.

Interested?

View the associated video
How to watch YouTube videos offline
Download the Google Indic Keyboard from the Play store

LG G Watch R gets connectivity boost with Android Wear update

With the latest Android Wear update, LG's first-round smart watch, the G Watch R, will become Wi-Fi capable, the company has announced. The G Watch R is one of three LG Android Wear devices.

Source: LG.

LG's G Watch, G Watch R and Watch Urbane devices will be updated over the next few days as the firmware over-the-air (FOTA) update is rolled out around the world. 

In addition to G Watch R's new Wi-Fi capabilities, all three LG devices will now support interactive watch faces available for download from Google Play. Interactive watch faces allow users to tap on specific areas of the watch display in order to see additional related information.

The latest update also will allow LG's Android Wear devices to support apps that perform specific functions*, such as displaying a four-day weather forecast or performing translations in foreign languages right on the watch itself. As there's no need to pull out and turn on a phone, Android Wear apps deliver convenience and save time for users.

Interested?

Read Google's blog post on the Android Wear blog

*Some features require a connection via Bluetooth to a compatible device with a data network connection.

2G handsets to stop working in Singapore on 1 April 2017

M1, Singtel and StarHub will stop providing 2G services in Singapore from 1 April, 2017. This will apply to 2G voice, messaging and data services. Those using 3G and 4G handsets will not be affected.

According to all three telcos, mobile networks have evolved since the launch of 2G service in 1994, and Singapore’s extensive 3G and 4G mobile networks have led to high smartphone ownership and usage rates. To cater for consumers’ increased demand for mobile data and faster access speeds, the spectrum currently used for 2G will be used to provide faster, more advanced 3G and 4G services instead.

In the last few years, mobile operators have been conducting outreach programmes to encourage customers to migrate to newer networks. Today, the majority of mobile customers are on 3G and 4G networks, only an extremely small percentage of customers remain on 2G-only mobile devices. The mobile operators will continue to reach out to affected 2G users through various channels as relevant, including SMS, calls and posters at their retail outlets, in the runup to the 2G network closure.

A wide range of 3G and 4G handsets are available at different price points to enable customers to migrate to the newer networks. Existing SIM cards used for 2G-only handsets can be used in a 3G or 4G-compatible device to enjoy the 3G or 4G services. 

Singtel explains mobile performance

Singtel has shared key considerations of connectivity, speed and coverage to add insights to the Infocomm Development Authority's pilot MyConnection SG study.

"Based on the online feedback to this latest study, we note that many subscribers regard factors such as network coverage, call stability, customer service and data connectivity to be more significant than speed to their user experience. What is uppermost is their ability to enjoy wide mobile coverage with consistent speed. Such customer feedback and findings are important to Singtel as we identify areas where we can continue to improve our services," Singtel concluded in a backgrounder.

Source: IDA. These two charts from the MyConnection SG pilot study show how the three service providers stack up in terms of data download speeds and time-to-connect.

Connectivity

Singtel defines this as the response time to establish a connection to a server i.e. the time taken to connect back and forth with a network, also known as a ping. For most mobile users who surf the Internet, a difference of milliseconds is not noticeable, especially when connecting to local sites, Singtel explained.

"Connectivity is significant however for those playing online games usually hosted in overseas sites such as in the US. Milliseconds can and do determine if the gamer wins or loses against a competitor," the company said in the backgrounder.

In the MyConnection SG report, Singtel registered 50.9 milliseconds and 117.9 milliseconds in 4G and 3G response time respectively.

Speed

This refers to how fast material (e.g. a video) is downloaded, the telco said.

To arrive at typical speed numbers, MyConnection SG measured the lower, middle and upper limits of the download speed experienced by 80% of data sessions, averaged over six months. Singtel noted that from the median 50th percentile, Singtel registered the fastest average typical speed for 3G and 4G at 3.1Mbps and 17.4Mbps respectively.

Peak speed: MyConnection SG report measured the maximum download speed attained in at least 50% of the days covered in the pilot, averaged over six months. Singtel has the fastest peak speed of 38.1Mbps and 118.9Mbps for 3G and 4G respectively.

"It is important to note however that the average speed experienced per user can be affected by factors such as the number of concurrent users, which in turn influences speed consistency. That is why speed tests at a certain location on different times or days may result in different readings," Singtel noted, stressing that the company continuously invests in new technologies that deliver higher speed capabilities so that its subscribers have a fast mobile experience. One such implementation has resulted in 4G+ connectivity in about 150 buildings, including key shopping malls across Singapore.

Coverage

In a separate report from IDA on 4G mobile service coverage for Q1 2015, Singtel had the widest nationwide outdoor 4G service coverage of 99.77%, the company noted, citing a quarterly study by IDA which tests coverage offered by the respective telecom operators while driving through key areas such as the Central Business District, HDB estates and major expressways and roads.

"IDA has stipulated that all telecom companies must meet a minimum criteria of 99% coverage by July 2016. Singtel has already achieved that as of Q1 of 2015," Singtel stated in the backgrounder, adding that it is the only operator with its own premium high-speed Wifi network.

Interested?

Read the TechTrade Asia blog post on the MyConnection SG results.

Etihad Airways provides mobile and Internet connectivity in all Boeing 777s

Etihad Airways has completed the deployment of mobile and Internet connectivity across its entire fleet of 24 Boeing 777 passenger aircraft, making it easier for guests to stay in touch with while in the air.

Source: Etihad. In-flight connectivity becomes a reality.

The airline expects that its entire fleet of 89 passenger aircraft is connected in the coming months, which will make Etihad Airways the first in the region and one of the few airlines in the world to offer mobile and internet connectivity services on every aircraft. The passenger fleet includes 28 Airbus A320s, 26 A330s, 11 A340s and 24 Boeing 777 family aircraft.

The full suite of inflight connectivity services on the fleet includes Wi-Fi, mobile services and live TV. The services combine the Etihad Wi-Fly solution, powered by the Panasonic Avionics Global Communications Suite, and OnAir’s inflight connectivity solution.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are a global market leader in terms of onboard connectivity solutions. We believe that onboard connectivity is an important competitive differentiator for our guests and are continuously introducing new communications technology to enhance their travel experience. The rollout of our state-of-the-art connectivity solution will give our modern connected guests a seamless, robust experience at 35,000 feet, similar to what they expect at home or work.”

Guests will be able to enjoy high-speed broadband services on Wi-Fi enabled devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops from the comfort of their seat. The mobile connectivity service can be accessed by guests using their mobile phones and smartphones to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and emails, and use mobile data services.

The live TV onboard service allows guests to watch live news and major sporting events on seven popular television channels including BBC World News, CNBC, CNN, euronews, Japan’s NHK World Premium, Sky News Arabia, and Sport 24.

Cabin crew and flight deck operations can also utilise Wi-Fi connections to handle medical emergencies. The crew is empowered to manage inflight guest issues by phone or email in real-time with the airline’s ground teams based in Abu Dhabi. Connectivity is also paving the way for the airline to enhance the guest experience through increased onboard retail opportunities, with the added benefit of real-time credit card transactions.

Packages to access the internet start at US$5 and can be purchased using credit cards, PayPal and other payment methods. Mobile telephone usage will be billed by the guest’s mobile service providers based on the international roaming rates levied by the service providers.

Etihad Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft are used for long-haul destinations across the airline’s network, such as to Los Angeles and Washington DC, London, Manchester, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, São Paulo, Bangkok and Jakarta.

Tata Communications poses Global Scrapbook Challenge in leadup to next Formula 1 race

Tata Communications, a provider of a New World of Communications, has shared details of the second technology challenge intended to harness global brainpower in the US$50,000 initiative set against the connectivity innovation that defines Formula 1 racing.

In the lead-up to the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2014, Tata Communications challenges the public to create a global digital scrapbook to celebrate the richness and diversity of ‘The Silver Arrows’ extensive history in the sport. The Global Scrapbook Challenge is intended to create and sustain a virtual ‘museum’ as an engaging online treasury of anecdote, recollection and intrigue that will attract both browsing visitors as much as the broadest range of contributions from fans of the sport.

Lewis Hamilton, Driver for the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team says, “The Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows have an amazing history in our sport. The legendary skills and achievements of drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss in the 1950s are an inspiration to me and, I believe, provide a rich tapestry for this project to bring our history alive through the hands of the fans themselves.”

Entrants are being set a technology challenge to define the capture and curation of artefact from the present season with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team back to Mercedes’ history in the sport in the 1950s. In addition entrants are being asked to propose a campaign methodology to ensure the Scrapbook captures the imagination of the digital generation.

Julie Woods-Moss, CMO and CEO of NextGen Business, Tata Communications says, “We are witnessing a seismic change in the way the world is engaging with digital content driven largely by user generated content. I believe the Global Scrapbook Challenge will be an enfranchising project that will allow people around the world to show their affinity to Formula One and create a fascinating archive of content delivered through cutting edge technologies.”

Tata Communications’ intention in setting the context for this challenge is to inspire entrants to creatively apply content curation and digital promotion to provide a new and novel dimension for fan engagement with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

Challenge 2 follows the success of the first task to creatively apply analytical and information technology solutions to demonstrate new and insightful information that can be derived from Formula One Management’s live data feeds. 

The judging panel is made up of Formula One Management’s CTO, John Morrison; 2008 FIA Formula One Drivers’ World Champion and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team driver, Lewis Hamilton, Lewis’ 2014 World Championship-leading team Executive Director (Technical), Paddy Lowe; Tata Communications’ CMO and CEO of NextGen Business, Julie Woods-Moss and former F1 driver and Sky Sports F1 expert commentator, Martin Brundle. The judging panel will be evaluating submissions for Challenge 2 against the high standard set by the winners of the first round of the competition.

A full brief for the second F1 Connectivity Innovation Prize challenge can be downloaded from Tata Communications’ F1 Connectivity Innovation Prize website.

The third and final challenge will be announced on the eve of the 2014 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX.

Source: Tata Communications F1 Innovation Connectivity Prize website.

Tata Communications is a Technology Supplier of Formula 1 and provides Formula One Management with world-class connectivity to all 19 Formula 1 race locations over the world’s first wholly-owned sub-sea fibre network to circle the globe. It also provides hosting and content delivery services to Formula1.com, which is accessed by tens of millions of fans around the globe. This innovative collaboration positions Tata Communications corporately as a Technology Supplier of Formula 1 with category exclusive designations as Official Connectivity Provider of Formula 1 and Official Web Hosting and Content Delivery Network Provider of Formula1.com.

As the Official Managed Connectivity Supplier for MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, Tata Communications also supports the data transmission over its global networks to keep Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at the leading edge of the championship.