SCV and phone subscriptions

[IanK]

Recently arrived in Singers and need some advice on the cable TV, internet and telephone deals, things to look out for, etc.

Many thanks!

[Fat Bob]

Home phone...only one option: SingTel. Though you can get IDD from a number of people: Singtel (001, 013 and 019), M1 (oo2, o21) and Starhub (008 and 018) are the mainstream ones, then there loads of internet ones (1151, 1551, 1553...er, can't remember them all)

Hand phone: Three main operators: Singtel, M1 and Starhub. Singtel and M1 use the same network (I think), whereas Starhub is the "new" boy, and not quite as extensive yet. Pick your plan. Pod and virginmobile also are tied in with Singtel. Prices are pretty similar, you get more off your phone if you sign up for longer. It's not ultra competitive, but there again, it's a captive market.

Cable TV: SCV. No choice in companies, if it's not wired to your house, hard luck! (Though you might want to give SCV a ring if you want to make sure)

Internet: Singtel, Starhub and pacific do modem access (56kbs), whilst Singtel and Pacific do high-speed modem (up to 512kbs). SCV do broadband cable access (1mbs) but you need to be wired up. Personally, I went on SCV, thought it was the cheapest and easiest, though others may have differing opinions. SCV does have minor slow times when everyone else in on, though I'm unsure how slow the high-speed modems are.

I think that about covers it all. What have I got?

Singtel home phone, no other IDD facitilites
M1 handphone
SCV TV
SCV cable

Would I go for it all again? Probably, I've used Singtel mobile before, no real difference. There aren't many other options for the others!!

[Balabala]

Wow, FB, being very charitable, aren't you mate? Forgot to drink your jug of beer eh?    

Anyway, a few comments and questions also:

Homephone: Doesn't starhub have network too?

Handphone: You got the supposedly no frills Virgin Mobile as an alternative to the three.

Internet: Singtel providing toll free access for modem access, while the others provides rebate/loyalty program with discounts and such. Soon there will be PLC - Power line connection that claims to have 3 or 4 MBps if I'm not mistaken, it's plug and play type to power line (with a converter/modem of coz) but like cable, it has shared bandwith so there'll be slow-time.

On SCV: when you're looking for an apartment, don't forget the all important question: "is this place wired already by SCV?" Could cost you a real fortune to wire yourself! And also, see whether the place already has SCV connection points. That would also cost money to install. Most of 97+ build condos already wired and SCV-connected.

I also second FB's choice except one: uses Singtel HP since it is paid by company and they get a good deal anyway fro Singtel  

[IanK]

Thanks FB, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain so fully!

Ian

[Fat Bob]

Yeah, just got on a roll. I think the thing I forgot was to ask for the jug of beer first!!

Hope it help, Ian, one thing about the SCV connection, if you're in a condo and it hasn't got it, the bet is that it won't get it. My mate has just moved out of one where the landlords didn't want to club together and pay for it...therefore he wasn't going to get it. So yes, ask the question if you want it, and if you're like me, you couldn't live without it!!