Singtel introduces new mobile plans with HBO content

Singtel has introduced three new XO postpaid mobile plans which are the first of their kind to be bundled with premium entertainment content.

These new XO plans were created to combine the benefits of large data allowances as well as attractive handset discounts - giving customers the best of both worlds. In addition, XO plans come with a HBO GO subscription to provide customers with the best video entertainment. 

Under the XO 78 Plan, customers can enjoy 30 GB, 300 minutes of talktime, 300 SMS and 24 months of HBO GO for S$78/month. Customers can also choose from a wide range of the latest mobile handsets from S$0 and up. The plans can be shared with up to three family members under the MobileShare supplementary plan (S$10.70/month per line) while customers who require more data can automatically enjoy an additional block of 18 GB at S$18. 

Gan Siok Hoon, VP, Mobile Marketing & Sales, Consumer Singapore at Singtel said, “Singtel customers typically use their mobile data to watch about nine hours of video content each month. Smartphones are fast becoming the go-to device to stream entertainment content and our new XO plans enable our customers to enjoy non-stop entertainment anytime and anywhere. With HBO Go on us, customers can even watch the long-awaited final season of Game of Thrones when it airs at 9 am on Monday, 15 April, on their commute to work!" 

To celebrate the launch of the new XO plans, from now until 31 March 2019, customers who sign up for the plans will enjoy a free 5 GB for the XO 48 Plan, free 10 GB for the XO 78 Plan or free 20 GB for the XO 108 Plan a month. 

Details:

Customers can sign up or recontract from at Singtel Shops, Singtel Exclusive Retailers, or online. 

Singtel offers three times the mobile data at a nominal cost, plus Wi-Fi calling

Source: Singtel website. A new subscription add-on gives three times the mobile data at a nominal S$9.90 for those who get a new plan, or recontract.

Singtel has debuted a mobile data add-on, DataX3, at its iPhone 7 launch event at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre last week. With DataX3, customers enjoy triple the mobile data allowance on their plans, for S$9.90 a month. Available to Singtel Combo Plan (Combo 2 and above) customers, DataX3 follows the launch of the DataX2 add-on that was first introduced earlier this year.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to give our customers more affordable data because mobile data has become essential to most Singaporeans for communicating, shopping, banking and entertainment. DataX2 has been extremely well-received and is very popular with our customers, leading us to create an even more attractive offer of DataX3. Now, customers can choose to get more value for their money by simply adding on DataX2 or DataX3, depending on their data consumption needs,” said Yuen Kuan Moon, Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Singapore, Singtel.

DataX3 offers significant cost savings to customers. For example, a customer on a Combo 4 plan will have the option to top-up at S$9.90 per month to get a total of 12GB of mobile data. It is available to new and re-contracting customers on eligible Combo Plans with a minimum subscription period of 24 months.

Singtel also announced that it will offer WiFi Calling (also known as Voice over WiFi) to Singtel mobile postpaid customers. This service allows customers to make HD quality voice calls and send SMS via any local Wi-Fi connection without the use of an app. The calls will switch seamlessly to the Singtel 4G network when users move out of Wi-Fi hotspot coverage. This service is available at no additional cost.

“WiFi Calling is a network innovation which offers added convenience and an enhanced mobile experience to customers. Our customers can now have mobile coverage even in difficult-to-reach places such as basements and windowless rooms, as long as there is a Wi-Fi signal. This service extends our extensive mobile network to cover a wider footprint and complements our ongoing efforts in delivering the fastest and widest 4G service in Singapore**,” said Yuen.

WiFi Calling will initially be available on selected iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Sony Xperia smartphone models*, with other devices to be supported in the coming weeks. To enjoy the service,
customers will need to switch on the VoLTE, and WiFi Calling settings on their device and ensure that it is running the latest firmware or iOS. Calls and SMS messages made over Wi-Fi will utilise the talk time and SMS bundles of customers’ mobile plans respectively.

Interested?

Pricing is as follows. Plans are only applicable to new and recontracting customers on eligible Mobile Combo Plans upon signing a two-year device agreement. A minimum subscription period of 24 months applies.

Source: Singtel. Combo mobile plans with DataX3. Compare against DataX2 plans.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post on StarHub's 12GB mobile data plan

*Supported phones include the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, Samsung Galaxy S7 4G+, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge 4G+ and Sony Xperia X Annexe.

**Singtel has the fastest and widest outdoor 4G speeds with the lowest latency rates in Singapore, according to IDA MyConnection SG survey results for January to June 2016 and IDA’s Nationwide Outdoor Service Coverage measurements for Q216.

posted from Bloggeroid

Singtel releases iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus price plans

Singtel has released Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 price plans on iphone.singtel.com:

	Combo Plan
	Combo 1	Combo 2	Combo 3	Combo 4	Combo 6	Combo 12
iPhone 7 32GB	S$698	S$568	S$378	S$188	S$28	S$0
iPhone 7 128GB	S$858	S$718	S$538	S$338	S$188	S$0
iPhone 7 256GB	S$1,008	S$878	S$698	S$498	S$338	S$0
iPhone 7 Plus 32GB	S$878	S$748	S$568	S$368	S$208	S$0
iPhone 7 Plus 128GB	S$1,038	S$898	S$718	S$518	S$368	S$0
iPhone 7 Plus 256GB	S$1,188	S$1,048	S$868	S$678	S$518	S$0

	Easy Mobile
	S	M	L	XL
iPhone 7 32GB	S$657	S$550	S$371	S$14
iPhone 7 128GB	S$812	S$705	S$527	S$170
iPhone 7 256GB	S$967	S$860	S$682	S$325
iPhone 7 Plus 32GB	S$839	S$732	S$553	S$196
iPhone 7 Plus 128GB	S$994	S$887	S$709	S$351
iPhone 7 Plus 256GB	S$1,144	S$1,037	S$858	S$501

Singtel to offer shareable mobile data of up to 50GB at PC Show 2016

Singtel is upping the ante on mobile data value less than a month after Circles.Life debuted with more choice for mobile data. Singtel will introduce Singapore’s largest, shareable mobile data bundle with the launch of a supersized DataMore plan at the PC Show 2016. Designed for heavy data users, DataMore is also ideal for families, as it is the only plan of its kind in Singapore that can be shared with multiple users.

Diana Chen, Vice President of Mobile Marketing, Consumer Singapore, Singtel, said, “Our customers want more data for less, and that’s exactly what they’ll get with the new supersized DataMore bundles. The flexibility to share the bundles with family and loved ones allows them to enjoy even greater cost savings. Now everyone can enjoy more entertainment and content on-the-move at the most affordable rates.”

DataMore will now offer bundles ranging from 5GB to 50GB in addition to its existing 1GB to 4GB add-ons. Available to all Combo plan customers, DataMore bundles will be launched on 2 June at a special price of S$5.35/GB, making it one of the most affordable data add-on plans in town.

To share their DataMore bundles, customers can simply subscribe to Singtel’s MobileShare Supplementary plan. The plan allows customers to add up to three nominees or devices for greater savings.

For example, a Combo 2 plan customer pays S$42.90 (Combo plan subscription) + S$53.50 (10GB DataMore add-on) = $96.40, to enjoy 12GB of data that can be shared with supplementary line nominees. Add an optional S$10.70 (MobileShare subscription) for every supplementary SIM card.

Supersized mobile data bundles of up to 50GB will also be available for Singtel’s popular SIM Only plan customers.

Interested?

Customers can sign up for DataMore bundles via My Singtel App and at Singtel Retail Shops.

ASEAN publishes strategic action plan for SME development

Source: ASEAN Secretariat.

The ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development (SAPSMED) 2016-2025 has been developed in recognition of the significant contribution of micro, small and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) to economic growth, employment generation and gender empowerment in ASEAN. The plan aims to strengthen MSME engagement in an increasingly competitive economic environment and to support their growth and development.

The plan includes an implementation roadmap using country champions, maximising resources including those from ASEAN Dialogue Partners, and with periodic monitoring and evaluation built-in. Overall MSME achievement will be tracked through 10 key policy indicators, and other operational indicators to be developed.

The plan was launched at the sidelines of the 27th ASEAN Summit on 21 November 2015. It was developed by the ASEAN SME Working Group in consultation with the private sector and prepared with the cooperation of the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee and with the assistance of the USAID ASEAN Connectivity through Trade and Investment Project for the Roadmap.

Interested?

Download the ASEAN SAPSMED 2016-2025 report 

StarHub slashes cost of SIM Only plans

StarHub has launched six new SIM-only plans, offering more flexibility for users in a saturated Singapore market. Ranging from S$13.95 to S$110 per month, StarHub’s SIM Only plans offer up to 12GB of bundled mobile data, data upsize options, 4G speeds of up to 300Mbps and the widest 4G roaming coverage, among other perks.

“Our newly enhanced SIM Only plans, first launched in 2013, are now more attractive than ever. With SIM Only, customers who already have a phone can enjoy an easy and much more affordable way to get connected, all without a contract,” said Michael Chang, Assistant Vice President of Mobility, StarHub. “There is no better time than now to jump onboard the world’s fastest 4G network*!”

Interested?

Sign up for a new SIM Only plan at any StarHub Shop or authorised dealer. 4G customers on existing SIM Only plans will automatically start enjoying the new rates by year-end. Pricing details are as below:

	4G 300M	4G 3	4G 4	4G 5	4G 6	4G 12
Monthly fee (SIM Only)  *new*	S$13.95	S$21.45	S$31.45	S$41.45	S$51.45	S$110
Usual monthly fee (two-  year contract with phone  purchase)	S$27.90	S$42.90	S$62.90	S$82.90	S$102.90	S$220
Local data bundle	300MB	3GB	4GB	5GB	6GB	12GB
Local outgoing HD talktime  (mins) with unlimited  incoming calls	100	150	350	450	700	Unlimited
Local SMS/MMS bundle	500	1,000	1,200	1,300	1,500	Unlimited
Local data bundle upsize  options	Add 1GB for S$8.56/month, 2GB for S$17.12/month or 3GB for  S$25.68/month
Excess local data usage  charges	S$10.70/GB
Local data price cap	S$168/month

*The State of LTE report by OpenSignal (June 2015 - August 2015)

Singtel SIM Only mobile plan offers unprecedented flexibility

Singtel has come up with a mobile SIM Only plan that is data-centric, contract-free and fully customisable.

The fully flexible plan is one of a kind: the basic plan is a S$20 Starter Pack which includes 5GB of data (3GB local mobile data and 2GB Singtel Premium WiFi), free incoming calls and SMS. Users can further customise their plan at any time with extra data, talktime and SMS/MMS at affordable rates, with the charges reflected in their monthly bill.

Diana Chen, Singtel’s Vice President of Mobile Marketing, Consumer Singapore, said: “Our customers have spoken and we are responding by expanding our range of plans to suit their usage needs. Today, we are seeing an insatiable appetite for online information and entertainment which is fuelling the demand for more data. At the same time, customers are craving greater flexibility in the way they manage their communication needs.

“So we’ve made it possible for users to bring their own device, select only the services they want and enjoy a considerable amount of data from just $20 a month – and all without having to commit to a contract.”

Source: Singtel.

A customer who takes up the Starter Pack and decides to add 1GB of extra data, 200 minutes of talktime but no SMS will pay a total of S$20 + S$5 for the data + $5 for the voice minutes, or S$30 a month.

Interested?

Sign up for the SIM Only plan at any Singtel Shop or Singtel Exclusive Retailers, or check out different combinations online before registration

UAE SMEs can get corporate mobile plans from du

Du is offering a set of five corporate plans for SMEs which cover data and free calls to colleagues.

The plans range from AED50 a month to AED450 monthly, and cover data, national minutes (calling), national text messages, as well as free minutes for calling people in a designated 'business calling circle'.  Three of the plans include free international minutes and international texts as well. Add-on 'packs' can be purchased for additional minutes, texts, or to add more people to the business calling circle.

According to the small print, an activation fee of AED55 applies, and the plan as well as selected add-on packs have a minimum 12-month contract, with fees that apply for early termination.

Source: du e-newsletter.

The company has also created new individual Smart Plans from AED150 to AED1,000 a month. The plans offer up to 20GB a month of data, a maximum of 2,500 flexible minutes, free calls for up to three numbers and a free smartphone.

Develop beach bodies at Phuket's Kata Rocks with 2015 New Year Workouts

Phuket’s futuristic luxury resort Kata Rocks has launched a 2015 New Year Workout Plan promising “beach bodies”.

Priced at THB10,000 (US$305) a day, the programme at one of the most cutting-edge fitness facilities in Thailand is led by elite personal trainer and fitness instructor Callum McGregor, an ex-British special forces Commando, strongman competition winner and military power lifter specialising in strength, fitness, weight loss and toning.

“If you are looking to get that beach body you have always dreamed of, improving your health, fitness and quality of life then I can help you achieve these goals with guaranteed results,” he pledges.Professional personal trainers, high-tech exercise machines, boot camps and muay thai boxing along with a nutritional meal programme are part of challenging three-, five- and seven-day regimes. The private one-on-one VIP personal trainer sessions start with an early morning detox juice programme with weight-loss training, followed by fitness classes at a beach boot camp.

After a carefully-monitored healthy lunch, guests enjoy a 60-minute massage at the resort’s Infinite Luxury Spa.

Sundown classes in muay thai and cross fit exercises complete the daily personal training.

Additional workouts are also encouraged at Kata Rocks’ gym, which features the LFConnect app to navigate through PowerPlate resistance exercise stations and LifeFitness elliptical cross trainers, stationary bikes and running treadmills.

*Pictures from Kata Rocks.

New Office 365 plans for companies with up to 250 staff

Microsoft has launched several new Office 365 plans for small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) to address the needs of companies with up to approximately 250 employees.

Office 365 Business is the full suite of Office applications—Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher and OneDrive for Business cloud storage, which makes it easy to access, edit and share documents across Windows PCs, Macs, iPads, Windows tablets and smartphones.

Office 365 Business Essentials covers the core cloud services for running a business, including business class email and calendaring, Office Online, online meetings, instant messaging (IM), video conferencing, cloud storage and file sharing.

Source: Microsoft blog.

Office 365 Business Premium combines the offerings from both the Office 365 Business and Business Essentials plans.

Current Office 365 SMB customers can visit the Message Center in Office 365 Admin Center for more details on how the plans will impact current subscriptions, or speak to their respective Office 365 providers.

For more details, visit the Office 365 blog here.

Microsoft introduces new Office 365 plans for SMBs

Microsoft has announced three new Office 365 plans tailored for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) ranging from 1 to approximately 250 employees, to be available on October 1, 2014.

The new plans are:

• Office 365 Business – The full Office applications – Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Publisher, with 1TB of OneDrive for Business cloud storage to access, edit and share your documents across your Windows PC, Mac, iPad, Windows tablet and smartphone. 
• Office 365 Business Essentials – The core cloud services for running your business – business class email and calendaring, Office Online, online meetings, IM, video conferencing, cloud storage and file sharing and much more. 
• Office 365 Business Premium – Everything from both the Office 365 Business and Business Essentials plans. 

The new plans will replace Microsoft's current plans for SMBs over time – Small Business, Small Business Premium and Midsize Business, while the current Enterprise plans will remain the same.

"This new lineup reflects the feedback we’ve received from SMB customers about how they want to get started and grow with Office 365," says blog author Kirk Gregersen in the blog post. 

The new plans provide the following benefits: 

Choice: The Office 365 Business plan (US$8.25/user/month) makes it simple to get just the familiar, full Office apps at a great price – always up to date and available on all of the subscriber's devices including your PC, Mac, iPad and smartphone. The included 1TB of cloud storage makes it easy to access and edit important files from anywhere. 

Value: Business Premium includes Midsize Business’ services at the Small Business Premium price of US$12.50 user/month. Business Essentials matches Small Business on price (US$5/user/month) with improved features and additional services like Yammer and Active Directory support. There is a higher seat limit of 300. 

Flexibility: The plans allow moving a company or just specific users to an Enterprise plan, a different Business plan, or to add solutions like Project, Visio, Dynamics CRM Online.

Existing customers do not have to take any action until their first renewal after October 1, 2015. They will still receive some of the new benefits starting October 1, 2014. "Small Business and Small Business Premium customers will see their seat cap raise from 25 to 300 while Midsize Business customers (whose seat cap is already 300), will see their price be reduced from US$15/user/month to US$12.50/user/month. New Midsize Business customers will be able to take advantage of this reduced price starting August 1, 2014.


Source: Microsoft blog site.

After that date, subscribers will need to select one of the new plans at their next renewal date. Microsoft recommends that most customers continue using their current plans as they do today and move to the similar new plan at their first renewal after October 1, 2015.

"With the matching updates for our existing plans, only a small number of customers with very specific needs would realise value from moving plans before October 1, 2015," said Gregersen. "Some customers will be unable to opt-in and move to the new plans immediately at launch. We are delivering an update for these customers to enable them to move to the new subscriptions by October 1, 2015."

Learn more about Microsoft's existing plans on Office.com.

*All prices in the blog are listed at Estimated Retail Price per user per month, in US dollars with annual commitment. Local prices may vary.

Google drops prices drastically for Google Drive

A blog post on March 13 has announced that cloud storage has become a lot cheaper at Google. Google has lowered the price of its monthly storage plans to US$1.99 for 100GB (previously US$4.99), US$9.99 for 1TB (previously $US49.99), and US$99.99 for 10TB, with additional terabytes available as needed. 

The 15 GB plan is free, and the storage is available across Drive, Gmail and Google+ Photos.

Source: Google

Users who already pay for storage will be moved to the appropriate improved plan at no additional cost, and can visit the storage purchase page to make a change or review their accounts.

Sign up for one the new Google Drive plans here, or see the Help Center for more information.