M1 lowers Fibre Broadband pricing; 200Mbps at SGD 39/mth

With more Telcos coming onto the bandwagon undercutting fibre broadband service pricing, M1 fired another salvo at the new comers with it’s latest Fibre broadband Deals.

Instead of the usual S$39/mth for a 100Mbps, it has now increased it to 200Mbps. It also throws in as usual the free mobile broadband 1GB, home fixed voice service and 3 mths internet security.

M1 launches new 4G Prepaid SunSurf plans
- Singapore’s first 4G prepaid service for smartphones
- 1GB local data now valid for 30days*

SINGAPORE, 10 April 2013 – M1 Limited (M1) today announced the launch of its new 4G Prepaid SunSurf plans, Singapore’s first 4G prepaid mobile service for smartphones.

With the new 4G Prepaid SunSurf plans for smartphones and recently launched 4G prepaid broadband service, visitors and local prepaid customers now have access to M1’s ultra-fast nationwide 4G network to enjoy an enhanced experience on their smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.

M1 is also pleased to introduce a new SunSurf plan with extended validity. At just $20, the 1GB local data is now valid for 30 days’ usage – giving customers more time and flexibility to do more of the things they like anytime, anywhere.

Prepaid customers can simply dial #100*7# from their mobile phones to subscribe to any of the 4G SunSurf plans. Visit www.m1.com.sg/mcardservices for more information.

M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to over 2 million customers. Established in 1997, M1 achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN). With a continual focus on network quality, customer service, value and innovation, M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg.

*Enjoy usage of 1GB local data plan for seven days at $7 or 1GB local data plan for 30 days at $20.

Note
M1 4G mobile broadband service is available everywhere in Singapore (with typical download speeds at fixed locations ranging from 4.8Mbps to 21.0Mbps) except in MRT and tunnels, where there will be 3G network.

M1 launches Singapore’s first WiFi
roaming service for postpaid mobile customers

New service complements current S$15/day

unlimited data and S$0.05/10kb data roaming promotions

SINGAPORE, 9 April 2013 – M1 Limited (M1) today announced its launch of Singapore’s first WiFi roaming service for both retail and corporate customers.

M1 postpaid mobile users can now enjoy unlimited data roaming on global WiFi hotspots across more than 120 countries and territories. Customers can log on with multiple devices at the same hotspot, through the M1 WiFi Roaming application.

With no service registration fee or monthly subscription, charges are only applicable upon successful connection to WiFi hotspots through the application, at S$12 per day in the Asia Pacific and Americas Regions; and S$19 per day for the rest of the world.

To activate service, customers need to download the application from Google Play Store or iTunes before travelling overseas, and set up a user profile on the application. Upon arriving at an overseas destination, users can launch the application to locate and connect to available WiFi hotspots, managed by M1-Partner networks.

“We are excited to offer Singapore’s first WiFi roaming service to our postpaid mobile customers. This will provide both retail and corporate users an affordable and fuss-free option to stay connected when they travel”, said Mr P. Subramaniam, Chief Marketing Officer, M1 Limited.

M1’s new WiFi Roaming service will add to its existing suite of data roaming services that greatly benefit data users when they are overseas. With M1’s unlimited data roaming at S$15 per day and promotional data roaming rates at S$0.05 per 10kb to popular destinations, M1 customers can upload photos, send e-mails and surf the Net without worrying about receiving a “bill shock” on data roaming charges.

The roaming partnership is with iPass. You can check for hotspots using this link http://hotspot-finder.ipass.com/

Visit www.m1.com.sg/wifiroaming to view the user guide for M1 WiFi Roaming application and locate WiFi hotspots overseas.

M1 launches Singapore’s first 4G prepaid broadband service Prepaid customers can now enjoy ultra-fast nationwide 4G data access

SINGAPORE, 26 March 2013 - M1 Limited (M1) today announced the launch of the M1 4G Prepaid Data – Singapore’s first 4G prepaid broadband service. This follows the launch of South East Asia’s first nationwide 4G service in September 2012.

With the M1 4G Prepaid Data, M1 prepaid customers can now enjoy faster data access on their tablets and other mobile devices on M1’s nationwide 4G network, with theoretical download speeds of up to 75Mbps*.

The M1 4G Prepaid Data is available at S$18 and comes with 1GB of local data, valid for 30 days’ usage or upon completion of data bundle. Available through a Micro or Nano SIM card, customers can easily top up the M1 4G Prepaid Data via the M1 top-up card or a credit card.

“Leveraging on our nationwide 4G network, we are pleased to offer Singapore’s first 4G prepaid broadband service. Our prepaid customers will now be able to enjoy ultra-fast nationwide 4G data access and an enhanced mobile experience,” said Mr P. Subramaniam, Chief Marketing Officer, M1 Limited.

The new M1 4G Prepaid Data is available for purchase at all M1 Shops and exclusive dealer shops. Visit www.m1.com.sg/prepaiddata for more information.

M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to over 2.0 million customers. Established in 1997, M1 achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN). With a continual focus on network quality, customer service, value and innovation, M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg.

* M1 4G mobile broadband service is available everywhere in Singapore (with typical download speeds at fixed locations ranging from 10.3Mbps to 21.6Mbps) except in MRT and tunnels, where there will be 3G network (with theoretical 3G download speeds of up to 21Mbps and upload of 5.76Mbps). We will continue to enhance and expand our 4G network coverage.

The M1 Fibre broadband service is down since 11.30am. According to the information gathered from the CSO, users from Ang Mo Kio, Yishun, Bukit Batok are affected. The fixed line service which is tied to the broadband is also down for the time being. We were told that technicians are looking into the problem and is fixing it.

Are you affected by the service disruption. Comment below.

M1’s partially affected 3G service fully restored

SINGAPORE, 18 January 2013 – We have restored full 3G service in the affected areas yesterday. To express our sincere appreciation to the affected customers for their patience and understanding, all our postpaid customers will enjoy three days of free local mobile calls, SMS, MMS and data services, from 10 to 12 February 2013. This will commence from 00:01 hours on 10 February till midnight on 12 February 2013.

Prepaid customers will enjoy a S$1 bonus for every top-up of S$17 and above, during the month of February 2013.

2 days ago, M1, Singapore’s first LTE operator that covers the whole country announced it’s 3G and 4G price plans. To enjoy 4G experience, you have to subscribe to the VAS (value added service of S$10.70) while other telcos charge the same rate for 3G and 4G plans.

A couple of minutes ago, M1 posted a note that their Facebook page that they will waive off the S$10.70 surcharge until further notice.

This is definitely good news as M1′s 4G iPhone value+ plan is the cheapest among the 3 telcos at S$36/mth.

“We are pleased to share that our new 4G smartphone service plans, to be available from 15 September, will now include free 4G VAS until further notice. “

M1 will launch their 4G service plans on 15 September 2012. On the same day, M1 will also obsolete the old Surf plans – ValueSurf, Lite Surf and ExtremeSurf plans. These 3 plans are rather popular because it gives users a 12GB data bundle and 500 SMS.

M1 will replace it with the new ValueSurf+, LiteSurf+,ExtremeSurf+ and MaxSurf+ plans. The noticeable change is the data bundle for the various plans. From the usual 12GB, it is reduced to 2GB, 3GB, 5GB. MaxSurf+ is at 12GB.

The upgraded ValueSurf+ is still at S$39 bundles in 600 free SMS instead of 500. LiteSurf+ is at S$59 , S$4 more than it’s original plan. Instead of it’s 250mins outgoing calls, M1 throws in 300 mins and 800 free SMS. The ExtremeSurf+ is priced at S$98, $3 more than the original plan. Instead of 600 mins outgoing calls, M1 throws in another 100 mins making it 700 mins and 1000 Free SMS but the unlimited free data is removed and is now capped at 5GB. A new plan MaxSurf+ at S$198 is introduced which has unlimited voice call minutes,2000 SMS and 12 GB data.

The new Surf plans is also available for 4G value added service at S$10.70/mth.

For those who re-contract, an extra 1GB will be added on to the free bundle. Effectively from 15 September, those who are on the old plans will have their data bundle dropped from 12GB to 2+1 GB (ValueSurf+ plan).

Looks like the good old days of unlimited or 12GB abundance of data bundle is history. In fact, if we calculate it this way, we should be paying lesser as most telcos charges S$5.35/GB when the subscriber exceeds the data limit. In this case, A 12GB to 2GB reduction is 10GB, based on the calculation, the plan should be S$50 cheaper.

I do know of people who abuse the data by torrenting. This greatly affects the data performance of others. In fact, the reduction and cap on the limit will smoother give mobile users a better internet experience.

Below are the charts comparing the old and new plans.

* so far, the iPhone plans remains the same with 12GB data.

M1 old plan

M1 New Plans

The 3 telcos has been catching up with one another in delivering the fastest broadband speeds. Although M1 was late to introduce the service, they are the first to introduce it country wide this September 15.

M1′s LTE speed will range from 6.9Mbps to 17.4Mbps and will cover 95% of the including both outdoor and indoor locations.

New smartphone and mobile broadband service plans

M1 also announced that it will introduce new smartphone and mobile broadband service plans, in conjunction with its 4G service launch.

New M1 Smartphone Service Plans

New M1 Mobile Broadband Service Plans

With the new data bundles starting from 2GB per month, the majority of customers will not incur higher charges. 78% of smartphone users consume less than 2GB of mobile data per month and 93% less than 5GB of mobile data per month. For customers who use beyond bundled allowances, excess data will be priced at an affordable $5.35 per GB.

Furthermore, re-contracting M1 customers will be given an additional 1GB of complimentary data bundle on the new smartphone and mobile broadband plans.

M1’s new smartphone and mobile broadband service plans will be made available to all new and re-contracting customers from 15 September 2012.

At launch, 4G devices that will be available include handsets: Samsung GALAXY Note LTE, Samsung GALAXY SII LTE, HTC One XL and LG Optimus True HD LTE; tablets: ASUS Transformer Pad TF300TL and Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.9 LTE; USB modem: Huawei E392, and mobile Wi-Fi modem: Huawei E589.

Live Demonstration

Customers can experience live demonstration of the amazing 4G service at M1’s flagship shop at Paragon from 6 September 2012. At the Live 4G demo-zone, customers will be able to test out new 4G handsets and tablets on M1’s 4G network, and experience first-hand, the next generation mobile experience.

For more information on M1’s amazing 4G network and services, please visit www.m1.com.sg/4G.

SingTel on the other hand was launched in June and will only cover 80% by year end and 95% by 1Q 2013. Starhub is expected to roll out LTE by year end.

Both telco uses LTE that runs on 1,800MHz and 2.600MHz frequencies. Customers who buy 4G devices do take note that it must support these spectrums otherwise it can’t take advantage of LTE.

Phones and tablet that will work are Samsung Galaxy Note LTE, Samsung Galaxy SII LTE, HTC One XL and LG Optimus True HD LTE phones, as well as the Asus Transformer Pad TF300TL and Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE tablets. Unfortunately the Apple new iPad won’t run in LTE mod as it supports the 700MHz and 2100MHz spectrums.

M1 to offer new iPad in Singapore on 16 March

SINGAPORE, 13 March 2012 – M1 today announced it will offer the new iPad on Friday, 16 March. M1 will offer iPad with a range of attractive data plans that will allow customers to connect to its High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+) network with speeds up to 21Mbps.

The third generation iPad is a category defining mobile device that features a stunning new Retina display, Apple’s new A5X chip with quad-core graphics and a 5 megapixel iSight camera with advanced optics for capturing amazing photos and 1080p HD video. It also still delivers the same all-day 10 hour battery life* while remaining amazingly thin and light. iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G is world-ready, allowing users to connect to fast networks worldwide when they travel.

“We are excited to offer the amazing new iPad on our advanced high speed mobile network,” said P. Subramaniam, M1’s Chief Marketing Officer. “This, together with our affordable data plans mean M1′s customers will be able to take full advantage of the power of the new iPad.”

The new iPad will be available at the M1 Paragon flagship store on 16 March at 12:01am. Customers may also obtain the new iPad from all other M1 shops at usual operating hours. For complete details on pricing and availability please visit www.m1.com.sg/iPad.

Make your new iPad even better with the best value plan in town.

• Free 10GB Data Bundle
• Up to 21Mbps Speed
• Only $40.00/mth

* Prices inclusive of GST

The three Singapore telcos, M1, Starhub and Singtel has already announced their price plans for the new Apple iPhone 4S that goes on sale on 28 OCT 2011.

We have consolidated the various price plans into this chart for your easy reference. So, which telco give you the best deal? Let’s analyse it for you.

If you are on a budget constraint and wants the latest gadget at minimum cost, the M1 plan seems to be the cheapest among the three telcos. At S$36 a month, you get the same amount of local outgoing minutes. Other than the iPhone 4S 16G is $7 more expensive than the two other telcos, the 32GB and 64GB model are relatively cheaper than Singtel and Starhub.

What about the S$56-$59.90 range plans ? For this plan, M1 again is the cheapest in terms of per month subscription.  Data bundle are all 12 GB. SMS doesn’t really matter as you can use Whatsapp or imessaging  on iOS.  Other than it’s pricing of iPhone 4S 32GB which is more expensive than Singtel, both Starhub and Singtel can’t match M1′s pricing.

As for the $98-$99.99 range, M1 again seems to edge out the two competitors. It has unlimited data bundle. So, you can use this plan to replace your broadband if the HSPA speeds are good at your location. With unlimited data, you can make SKYPE calls, download videos without worry. M1 is also generous to provide 700 minutes of outgoing calls. The price for it’s 4S 32GB is also cheapest of all. As for iPhone 4S 64GB, Singtel is $2 cheaper but you pay $2 more monthly for the subscription.

Now, the highest plans. M1 again is cheapest at S$198. Singtel and Starhub both has 2000 minutes and 2000 SMS bundled in. M1 on the other hand gives you unlimited incoming calls. Data is both unlimited on M1 and Starhub but capped at 30GB for Singtel. You don’t have to pay upfront for iPhone 4S 16GB and 32GB models. As for iPhone 4S 64GB model, Singtel is $7 dollars cheaper than M1 at S$115 and Starhub at S$128.

Before you decide on which operator and plan to take. It is important to know some of the perks that are available on the various networks. Among the 3, Singtel and Starhub both has 3G video streaming from their pay tv service. M1 on the other hand lacks out this feature.

Secondly, Singtel so far has the widest coverage and signal shouldn’t be an issue in most parts of the country. The other two operators do have good signals in prominent towns and in city area. 3G signal coverage is not as far reach as Singtel.

Thirdly, you have to consider the network. If you use the data bundle for serving internet, which one gives you a better experience in terms of speed and loading?

Fourthly, if you travel often, you might want to check who are their roaming partners. Certain roaming partners offer better roaming rates if you log into their network when overseas.

So, good luck and enjoy your new iPhone 4S. Any comments, please post them at this link http://forums.ocworkbench.com/showthread.php?p=488156#post488156

Comment at the end of the post.

M1 Press Release

Results for nine months ended 30 September 2011
Net profit up 5.7% to S$126.4 million

SINGAPORE, 17 October 2011 – M1 Limited (M1) today announced the unaudited group financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2011. Net profit after tax increased 5.7% to S$126.4 million.

Operating revenue at S$747.8 million increased 4.2% year-on-year due to higher service revenue and handset sales. Service revenue benefited from the growth in mobile customer base and revenue growth from fixed services.

Non-voice services contributed 35.4% of service revenue, up from 31.5% a year ago, driven by growth in mobile broadband and smartphone customer base.

M1 added 41,000 customers in the third quarter, bringing its total customer base to 2.009 million as at 30 September 2011. Monthly postpaid churn remained relatively stable at 1.3% in the latest quarter.

Ms Karen Kooi, M1’s Chief Executive Officer said: “We deployed our own active network for the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network during the quarter. This will improve our service level and competitiveness, as well as enhance our ability to offer customised solutions.”

“Based on the current outlook and barring any unforeseen circumstances, net profit after tax for 2011 is likely to improve, compared to 2010,” added Ms Kooi.

After M1 and SmarTone ends partnership with Vodaphone, Vodafone Group PLC (VOD.LN) is partnering with Conexus Mobile Alliance, a group of Asian mobile operators NTT DoCoMo, Smart, Starhub, TrueMove and Far EasTone.

Vodafone, the world’s largest mobile operator by revenue, will collaborate with some Conexus members on data roaming, multinational corporate business and other services, Vodafone and Conexus said in a joint statement Tuesday. The alliance members will be able to use the Vodafone brand, and access the U.K.-based group’s devices and services.

Starting December, Vodafone will form partnerships with Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Ltd. (0215.HK), NTT DoCoMo, the Philippines’ Smart Communications Inc. and Singapore’s Starhub Ltd. (CC3.SG). Thailand’s TrueMove, and Taiwan’s Far EasTone Telecommunications Co. (4904.TW) will also join the partnership over the next two years.

Both Singapore’s M1 and Hong Kong’s SmarTone are members of rival alliance Asia Mobility Initiative and other members are  Celcom in Malaysia, dtac in Thailand, Excelcomindo in Indonesia, IDEA Cellular in India, M1 in Singapore, SmarTone-Vodafone in Hong Kong, SmarTone in Macau and Sun Cellular in Philippines.

Source

There seems to be an intermittent network problem on M1 Fibre Broadband.

Local sites seems to be slow or inaccessible from this morning. Do share with us if you are experiencing intermittent issues in the comments page below.

M1 launches new mData

mobile broadband plans with

faster speeds from only $12 per month

SINGAPORE, 31 August 2011 – To provide better mobile surfing experience to customers, M1 Limited (M1) will launch four new mobile broadband plans that will be differentiated by data bundle sizes and publish the typical speeds customers will experience, from the low price of $12 per month on 1 September 2011.

M1’s new competitively priced mobile broadband plans will be provisioned at 7.2 Mbps or 21 Mbps theoretical download speeds. However, customers will now be able to know what their mobile broadband experience is, with the publishing of typical download speeds, ranging from 0.6 to 6.7 Mbps.

For customers’ subscribing to the theoretical speeds of 7.2 Mbps they can choose from a range of plans valued from $12 for 5GB to $40 for 50GB.

“These new plans, together with the published typical download speeds, are designed to allow our customers to pay for what they need. With faster speeds, more flexibility and lower costs, M1 customers will now get to enjoy the best value plans and even greater mobile broadband experience”, said P. Subramaniam, Chief Marketing Officer, M1 Limited.
mData’s monthly mobile broadband data usage above bundle will be capped at a maximum of $69.30, dismissing customers’ worries of oversized bills.

M1 mData MOBILE BROADBAND PLANS

Hong Kong high speed Fibre broadband 500Mbps is only HKD 132 pm (USD 16.90 or SGD 20.70)

Competition is good for consumers. This is definitely the case for Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, there are currently about 3 or 4 Broadband players. Most of them are triple play or quad play bundling TV, Voice with broadband and sell with 2 to 3 years contract.

To most people, having a high speed internet and broadband/cable tv would definitely cut down costs. As long time favourite TV programmes like EPL or ESPN are tied to certain operators, a subscriber has difficulty choosing which operator to go to.

Well, this time round PCCW, an operator is throwing a good bundle at a ridiculous low price.

The new service comes with Free WIFI access at hot spots, WIFI at home and NowTV channels when you sign up for the 500Mbps Fibre Broadband plan with them.

Guess what, the 500Mbps Fibre broadband plan only costs HKD 132 pm for 30 mthse (USD 16.90 or SGD 20.70) with a 36 mths contract. The first 6 mths is FREE.

In Singapore, the cheapest deal comes from operator M1 Ltd. It has a Fibre Broadband plan at 50Mbps and comes with Digital Home Fixed line thrown in at SGD 29 (USD 23.75 USD, HKD 184.80).

It is really shocking that customers in Singapore are paying so much more, for a 50Mbps (HKD 184.80) vs a 500Mbps (HKD 132).

M1’s Next Generation Mobile Network goes live
Launch of South East Asia’s first LTE network

SINGAPORE, 20 June 2011 – M1 Limited (M1), a leading provider of mobile, broadband and fixed communications services, today further reaffirms its technology leadership in the wireless space by announcing the launch of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) based Next Generation Mobile Network on 21 June 2011 – the first in South East Asia.

M1’s dual band LTE network, operating on both the 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz frequency bands, will have an initial theoretical downlink speed of 75 Mbps and uplink speed of 37.5 Mbps. By end 2012, the theoretical downlink and uplink speeds will be upgraded to 150 Mbps and 75 Mbps respectively.

At its launch, the LTE network covers major areas within the financial district, including Marina Bay, Suntec, Shenton Way and other areas, as shown by the enclosed map. Coverage is being progressively expanded and is scheduled to be nationwide by the first quarter of 2012.

Said Ms Karen Kooi, Chief Executive Officer, M1 Limited: “Following the successful commercial launch of our next generation fixed broadband services, we bring yet another first – the next generation of mobile services. With M1’s LTE network, our customers will now be the first to experience ultra-high speed mobile services and applications.”

“Enhancing our customers’ experience remains our priority, and we will continue to invest in networks and to innovate to deliver a superior wireless Internet experience,” added Ms Kooi.

The launch will involve customers from M1’s enterprise sector. These customers will be able to access M1’s Next Generation Mobile Network service via USB modems on existing mobile broadband plans at S$59.40 (with GST) per month. An expanded range of LTE devices, including tablets and smartphones, is expected to be available later this year.

We have seen the comparison chart of the various telcos offering Fibre Broadband running on light speed Fibre optical network in Singapore. M1, now with a level playing field is ready to take on the two bigger telcos in Singapore.

With an attractive price of S$39 for 100Mbps for students. It is for sure users without any outstanding contract will take up this plan with a recontract of their existing mobile line.

So, how does the new 100Mbps plan perform. Below is a screen shot sighted in a local forum. The test is done at 12 noon on a Saturday. With speedtest.net to local server, it is able to outperform by almost 25%, reaching almost 125Mbps for downlink. As for the uplink, it is able to achieve 32Mbps (falls short of the up to 50Mbps rating).

Comparing the price plans here

Nokia C6 Review

Nokia C6 is a mid-range 3.2″ resistive touchscreen smartphone with a slide out QWERTY keyboard and comprehensive social messaging software suite. The C6 runs Symbian^1 (but with pervasive kinetic scrolling and widget homescreen, N97-style) and features a 5 megapixel camera, integrated GPS and comprehensive connectivity options. It ships with a full range of Ovi services, including Ovi Maps (free car and pedestrian navigation), Ovi Store (content downloads), Ovi Music (music store), and Nokia Messaging (email and instant messaging).

Nokia is emphasizing the social messaging capabilities of the phone, with Nokia Messaging handling a comprehensive range of email accounts, with various on-board tools for interacting with social networks and with Ovi Store giving access to a range of IM applications.

The 5 MP camera can capture image at the resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels. Autofocus, LED flash, geo-tagging, face and smile detection are part of the feature set. The handset is available with GPRS and Wi-Fi for internet access. Several other internet features can be enjoyed such as Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk and Windows Live Messenger.

Here is how the package looks like :