Broadband subscription in Singapore has been given a boost with
the introduction of high speed packet access (HSPA) by local
telecommunications companies. This is a technology which allows
users to access high-speed Internet services anywhere on the island
using their mobile phones and devices.
All three local telcos - SingTel (http://www.singtel.com), StarHub (http://www.starhub.com) and M1 (www.m1.com) have
upgraded their 3G cellular networks to support HSPA.
Their networks can now provide download speeds ranging from
3.6Mbps (megabits per second) to 14.4 Mbps, putting them on par
with some fixed-line broadband options available today.
Upgrades are also underway to double the transmission speeds within
the next few years.
Unlike using Wi-Fi hotspots, such as those under the Wireless@SG
initiative, users who want to tap on HSPA will need to plug a
special token-like modem into their laptops. This can be purchased
from your operator alongside a mobile broadband plan. You can visit
your operator’s Web site for more information on these
packages.
HSPA networks can also be accessed through handsets that support
this technology, commonly referred to as 3.5G phones.
However, you may not be able to enjoy the full broadband promise as
mobile phones only support downlink speeds of up to 7.2Mbps
currently. However, handsets supporting 14.4Mbps transmission
should be available within the next six months. As HSPA charges
vary with usage, it is advisable to sign up for a higher-end mobile
data plan if you intend to surf extensively on your mobile
phone.
Broadband subscription in Singapore has been given a boost with the introduction of high speed packet access (HSPA) by local telecommunications companies. This is a technology which allows users to access high-speed Internet services anywhere on the island using their mobile phones and devices.
