“Smart Nation” Singapore gets a 5G boost with Singtel’s upgrade

Singtel has launched Singapore’s fastest mobile network with the nationwide deployment of a 450Mbps 4G LTE-Advanced service.

The 450Mbps service is available to all Singtel 4G customers at no additional charge. However, it appears that all customers may not be able to enjoy the speeds as the release by Singtel points out, “Customers with Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 edge can enjoy 450Mbps speeds starting today. LG V20 users will also be able to harness the higher speeds with a soon-to-be-released software update. More compatible smartphone models are expected to be launched by early 2017.”  

This enhanced speed will allow customers to download an HD movie in less than two minutes over mobile data while delivering 50% faster download speeds than prevailing LTE services.

Kuan Moon Yuen, Singtel’s Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Singapore Photo courtesy: LinkedIn page of Kuan Moon Yuen

Singtel’s Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Singapore, Yuen Kuan Moon said, “Singtel is investing ahead to deliver faster speeds and wider connections with the steady deployment of innovative technologies on our live network. With more customers consuming and sharing mobile videos, 450Mbps speeds will enable them to download movies in a flash and give them a better entertainment experience while on the go.”  

Demonstration of up to 1Gbps LTE downlink data speeds on live network of Singtel and Ericsson

Singtel and Ericsson have also demonstrated download speeds of up to 1Gbps in a live 4G network pilot at two sites in Pasir Ris.

Singtel will progressively deploy technologies on its network, starting next year, to deliver up to 1Gbps speeds at selected high-traffic locations. Supporting mobile devices are expected to be ready by end 2017.

Faster broadband speeds contribute towards Singapore realising its vision of creating a "Smart Nation" where peoples lives are enriched with the help of technology. Smart Home technologies are being testbedded in HDB estates as part of the “Smart HDB Town Framework”.

Yuen added, “Achieving 1Gbps speeds on our live network marks a significant milestone in our journey to 5G. We're focused on driving further network innovation to extend our leadership and deliver the benefits of the latest technological advances to meet our customers' digital lifestyle needs.”    

Martin Wiktorin, Country Manager of Ericsson Singapore and Brunei Photo courtesy: Ericsson

Country Manager of Ericsson Singapore and Brunei, Martin Wiktorin said, “As user expectations for high-speed internet and the ability to use apps on the move increase, network innovations with new advanced technologies are required to enable superior network performance. Ericsson, as a long-standing strategic partner of Singtel for over 20 years, is pleased to collaborate with Singtel to deliver innovative and advanced services to their customers and to further explore the opportunities that will arise with 5G.”   

Recently, Singtel and Ericsson jointly won the “Advancing the Road to 5G” accolade at the Global Telecoms Awards 2016 for Singtel’s nationwide IoT-ready 4G LTE network.