Telecommunications:
TV, Cable, Phone, Broadband Internet in Singapore
Telecommunication
Singapore is among the top 104 countries listed in the Networked Readiness Index. The government has shown strong commitment to developing telecommunication in Singapore and the market can built on an excellent infrastructure.
The deregulation of telecommunication in Singapore changed the market of Fixed Network Voice Services and Data Communications and new operators challenge SingTel as the strongest provider of services in telecommunication in Singapore.
Note: you are able to pay many of the following services through vPost's Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment .
Click the link to vPost's website and see a list of merchants.
Photo:enterAsiaArt
For more business information visit our sister website www.entersingaporebusiness.info.
Select from the section below
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Phone
The following companies provide combined telephone, and broadband services in Singapore.You should compare prices for service activation, line rental, call charges and portability of telephone numbers. StarHub offer a Digital Voice Service via installing a cable modem for your telephone line and your number is permanent.
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Applications for telephone lines
SingTel will take six working days to implement the service.
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Fill in a form at any post office |
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Fill in a form at any service outlet |
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Change you residential phone book entry Tel: 1609 |
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Change your business phone book entry Tel: 1606 |
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Deposits (SingTel)
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Student Dial-up Account
Students (aged 6-21) may apply for a student account when enrolled in a government-registered school with an Original NRIC /Passport / Certificate but need parent's approval when below 16 years old.
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International Direct Dialing (IDD)
There are a number of choices for international telephone calls, with fierce competition in the market and ever-changing best deals, which are advertised in the newspapers. You may save money by scheduling your overseas calls within a time period of economy rates. When comparing prices watch out for the following
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Watch out for hidden cost like subscription or registration fees |
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Billing is set up by Units: there are units of 1, 6, 12, 30 seconds and units of 1 minute . Make sure you compare prices of the same units |
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Rates often apply only to residential fixed lines to overseas fixed lines. Calls to mobile phones are more expensive! |
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Reduced rates often apply only to peak-off hours or after initial normal rates have been charged for a certain time |
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Whole day flat rates often apply only to certain countries |
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Some lines have lower voice quality |
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You need to register with either Starhub and/or Mobile One to access their services but you can also access Singtel once you have a telephone line with IDD option. Find out about their current promotions and reduced International
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Alternatively Singtel offers you a BUDGET CALL service with a still very acceptable quality allowing you to make calls at a lower price. The calls are charged at a flat rate throughout the day and are not recommended for facsimile transmissions.
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Grid International Roaming
Americans can stay connected via Grid Phone Connect a service offered by Nextel. To find out more about this service view the web site below
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Zone 1511 IDD Service
Zone 1511 is an IDD Service Portal with 13 service providers offering bargains in calling the world. Whenever you make a call Zone 1511 will choose the best bargain out of a choice of 5 providers you have chosen when subscribing with the service for free. Zone 1511 is available to land line phones and SingTel and M1 mobile subscribers.
SPECIAL EXPAT PROMOTION
Register with Zone1511 and receive $10 IDD credit
Experience the convenience of Zone1511 IDD calling. Zone1511's exclusive Expat Deal, enjoy the first $10,- IDD call charges free, use your landline or mobile to call the home turf with Zone 1511 IDD. Register today with Zone1511 and receive $10,- IDD credit. Promotion valid until July 31 2006. $10,- free IDD credit
The first $10 IDD call charges are free
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IDD 1521/SunPage
Register with SunPage and call to over 300 destinations with a special rate. You will receive your invoice from them.
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Phoenix Communication 1516 IDD Service
This service is offering savings to over 200 countries and there are no additional fees for activation, registration or subscription. Billing is itemized monthly and payment occurs in Singapore.
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I2U 1551 and 15510
Check out their rates.
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Internet Phone
MediaRing - a Singaporean Company - offers Global Talk paid subscription service, a VoIP or voice over Internet protocol which is cheaper than overseas phone calls.
Voice is sent like email as data packets over the Internet on a hared network. You do not need a PC and a broadband connection but the person on the other end needs to be a Global Talk subscriber too.
Photo:enterAsiaArt
You do not need to boot up the computer but have to plug a handset to the PC's USB port or wear a handset. The telephone numbers have 11 digits. MediaRing charges a flat fee of SGD 24.95 for unlimited calls to fellow MediaRing callers. The service from MediaRing or its competitor Vole come with Internet phones that connect over the Net.
Alternatively use Skype for free unlimited worldwide phone calls to other Skype users and visit the web sites below for downloading their software for free.
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Mobile Phones
The mobile phone market can be almost compared to selling fast perishable fruits as a model just purchased will be outdated and out of fashion within in a short while. Prices usually drop one month after their launch. Services are provided via the networks AMPS, E-TACS, GSM and PCN. You may trade in your old model at a second hand dealer or buy second hand models which are only a few months old. You should ask for the original box and accessories of the product to ensure it is not stolen and check for warranty cards. See Shopping
As the market for mobile phone plans is saturated, the name of the game is to make people switch plans. Free incoming calls are crucial to these plans but in general they are not much differences. Check for frequent new plans to be announced in this competitive market and keep an eye on each service provider's IDD rate if you want international calls to be inexpensive.
i-mode/ 3G
Starhub offers i-mode mobile Internet services in Singapore with access to more than 100 websites. Subscribers pay between SGD 2 and % per month and a download charge of cents 1.05. The unlimited version costs SGD 21 per month.
SingTel is offers high speed Internet Access and 16 TV channels for 3G cell phone users.
SIM Card Registration
If you use a prepaid SIM card for your mobile phone you have to register your particulars with the mobile service provider. The registration is part of the Government's efforts to curb illegal activities, especially terrorism. You will be not permitted to own more than 10 cards. SIM cards will not be sold to those under 15. You must produce your identity card or passport. Foreign workers need to show their work permit identification card.
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Paging Services
Paging Services are gradually phased out by some providers as mobile phones are taking over.
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Beeper numbers consist of 9 + 7 digits. Dial this number on your phone and choose the option to leave a message or page the person. Paging Services are faded out in Singapore as mobile phones have taken over the market.
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Internet Services
Singapore ranks number 7 in the world and tops the Asia-Pacific region in a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit on e-business environments and opportunities in 64 countries.
There are more than 1,600 government services available online from downloading forms for applications to filing your taxes.
It is not expensive to connect to a 24 hours broadband service and stay in touch with friends and family at a click of the mouse at any time of the day or night.
You may either connect your computer to the Internet via a modem to your telephone line or via Singapore Cable Vision (SCV) broadband facility. In both cases you need to inquire about any technical requirements for your computer. Additionally you must plan for either an additional telephone point or a cable point, which will be charged to you one time on installation. There is a reduction if you need more than one plug and it does make sense to plan long term.
As fees are very reasonable and the choices for TV programs are limited, in Singapore the family will soon end up fighting over access to the Internet to contact friends and family all over the world. You may consider having a TV/Cable extension in each bedroom. Alternatively you can sign up for MaxOnline 3000 Starhub's wireless Home Networking Solution with a router for a cost effective expandability to multiple PCs in your home. See the web site below for more information.
SingNet BroadBand uses Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology, where you can simultaneously enjoy voice and Fax: 6 services over the same telephone line without any extra cabling connections! SingTel offers volume bases or unlimited so called heavy and light surfer packages with 512 kb ps and 256 kb ps and either free ADSL USB Modem or Jet Pack Modem.
Starhub/SCV Vision MaxOnline (Cable) You need to have cable connection with a socket close to your computer and will be supplied with a modem facility which is plugged into your computer. The equipment is either rented and has to be given back when disconnected or can be bought.
Pacific Internet Cable Broadband (PacNet) ADSL and cable Broadband service offers unlimited broadband access.
QMax Communications - offers a wireless broadband service with unlimited high-speed surfing for under SGD 30 (256 kbps)a months. The service is now limited to Bukit Timah but will expand island-wide within two years.
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If you link up to your SingTel phone line without joining Singtel Magix or SingNet BroadBand you need to subscribe to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The charges for their services need to be paid additionally to your telephone costs. Due to strong competition in this field the charges vary frequently and you need to inquire directly. Some offer free Internet Access. ISP connection via a normal telephone line is usually slower than via broadband facilities.
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Cyber cafes, Public Internet Access Points, Wireless Surfing
Singapore is one of the most densely IT-connected cities in the world with currently over 7000 public access points in schools, libraries, community centers and clubs. The National Library Board provides Internet access for three cents a minute at 560 broadband-enabled multi-media stations of Singapore One.
Check for locations and opening hours at the National Library Board's web site below and scroll down to " Singapore One Access at libraries". You can surf for 2 S$ per hour but need to be a member first.
Alternatively you can visit cyber cafes. Addresses and names of cyber cafes are prone to frequent changes. Check the web for an update on their location.
Wireless Internet access is now offered by SingTel, StarHub and Bluengine. The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) hopes to resolve obstacles for a seamless wireless access across all over Singapore soon. For the time being you can only use those hotspots of the Internet Service Providers have subscribed to and not roam across the different networks.
At Changi airport there are more than 200 computers for free Internet surfing in the departure lounges of Terminals 1 and 2 and most gate hold rooms. There are many "hot spots" where you can use your wireless enabled laptops or personal digital assistants. In the arrival and departure hall Star Hub provides wireless access which must be paid at SGD 6 per half an hour.
SingTel Wi-Fi Services
Overseas visitors can buy pre-paid Outdoor Wireless Surf Cards for SGD 30.00 at hello!, 7-eleven stores and SingPost branches and log in at SingTel's 170 wireless surf zones in the country. A user ID and password comes with the card which provides 100 minutes of wireless Web access for 180 days from the first log-in.
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Applying for Cable TV
Cable TV is offered by Starhub and you should visit their web site below for detailed information on their services, packages and programs. You can package your cable TV connections with your Internet Broadband, telephone or mobile phone and take advantage of the many promotions run by Starhub to attract customers.
First make sure you have a TV with PAL system. When applying for a cable TV you have to find out if your home is connected and how many cable points you need.
Ask your landlord to install further points in a number of rooms as to enable you to watch TV or connect to SCV Broadband. Each TV set with cable connection needs to have its own Set Top Box (to choose the channels), which you have to rent from your cable TV provider. The Set Top Box has to be returned when you cancel the contract.
Photo:enterAsiaArt
Since StarHub introduced Digital TV the choices for programs have improved. We suggest you opt for as many programs as available in the Digital Tier including the options of the International Tier to give you access to International News. Charges depend on your program selection and the number of boxes you rent. Since recently StarHub offers Demand TV where you can choose form 10 movies at any given time for SGD 4.50 per movie. You need a digital set-up box to use this service.
A deposit of S$250 is required of foreigners.
SlingBox
If you want to use a Slingbox in Singapore you need to check any regulatory implications with the Media Development Authority in Singapore.
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Television Receiver License
As required by the Singapore Broadcasting Authority (SBA) Act a license is required for any place where a TV or radio receiver is installed, and includes cars. The annual license fees are $110 for a TV and $27 for a vehicle radio license. The landlord should pay the fees for your home. You can pay your TV Licence fees by cash, NETS or Cashcard at any Singapore Post Office or the MDA Licensing Services. Bring along your passport/ID.
If you get caught having a TV set or radio without a valid license you may be fined up to SGD 1,000!
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Foreign Media in Singapore
Under the regulations on foreign newspapers and magazines contained in the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act of 1986 restrictions can be imposed on any foreign publication in circulation in Singapore engaging in Singapore's domestic politics. A new law under the Singapore Broadcasting Authority Act foreign broadcasters will be subject to the same rules in future. Restrictions can be imposed on sales and circulation of specific issues but do not amount to a total ban. In the past the law has been applied against the Asian Wall Street Journal, the Far Eastern Economic Review, the Economist and Time Magazine.
Consequently, 5,500 foreign publications are available in Singapore at bookshops and newspaper stands. Prices are steep and many newspapers and magazines in other languages than English may not be imported due to a lack of demand.
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Expatriate Magazines
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| Noise rules effective for constructions and for distances less than 150 m from residential areas: | |
| Impulse | German Speaking Community Tel: 6 471 4180/ email: Gaby@pacific.net.sg |
| Bamboo Telegraph | American Women Association Tel: 6 734 6482 |
| ANZA | Australian and New Zealand Association Tel: 6 733 1215 |
| The BEAM | British Association Tel: 6 339 8229 |
| The Gazette | Belgium & Luxembourg Association Email: gazette@blas.org.sg |
| Singapore American | The American Association Tel: 6 421 4520 |
Local Media
The local press is dominated by Singapore Press Holdings. You can subscribe to the following English language papers that are also available from shops, newsstands and street vendors:
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Magazines see Entertainment and Tourism and Travel
Newsstands
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TV Broadcasting Channels and Radio Stations
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