Telecommunications:
TV, Cable, Phone, Broadband Internet in Singapore
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.
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Cable and Pay 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.
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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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mio TV was introduced in 2007 by SingTel as an Internet protocol-based pay TV service to challenge the monopoly of rival StarHub. Customers can watch high-definition television content by choice without being tied to fixed programme schedules.
Transmission is via SingNet's broadband network and can ve viewed on any television set via the freely available IPTV IP set-top box (STB) connected over an exisitng SingTel phone line. mio stands for "more in one" and is SingTel's integrated gateway for home users of multiple Interned-based communication services.
The service features 43 channels, including free-to-air channels by MediaCorp, blockbuster movies as well as a Cantonese movie channel. It also offers HDTV channels.
mio TV can also be enjoyed on a mobile and the mio service combines your broadband, TV and phone services needs in a monthly package from below SGD 50 a month..
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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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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You may opt to send gifts by surface mail instead. Any present to reach the US by Christmas needs to be mailed by October 20 by surface mail or by December 4 by airmail.
Register your package by spending an extra S$2. Inquire at FedEx and UPS about discounted rates for members of international clubs.
Review custom procedures in your home country. Some gifts sent should not exceed certain values.
Above all you have to watch trademark laws, laws for the protection of endangered species (reptile products, sea turtle, ivory), pirated software, audio videotapes etc.
View our shopping tips for ordering online overseas!
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