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StarHub is first to launch 5G network with free trial for its customers

By Liu Hongzuo - on 22 Aug 2020, 10:39am

StarHub is first to launch 5G network with free trial for its customers

Note: This article was first published on 17 Aug 2020.

StarHub is launching a free-of-charge, early-access 5G trial for customers using its Mobile+ plans and Biz+ plans. The early 5G trial starts tomorrow (18 August 2020) and will run until 16 February 2021.

To prepare Singapore for 5G connectivity, StarHub will be offering its customers a taste of 5G to stream, game, and surf online. StarHub's 5G signals currently cover 53% of Singapore's populated areas, and it is projected to cover 70% by September 2020.

 

Where can we see and try this fabled StarHub 5G network?

Areas included for StarHub's 5G connectivity are Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, the CBD, Clementi, Jurong, Orchard, Tampines, Woodlands, Yishun, and 'others'. Here's a quick look at their coverage areas as of August 2020:-

Note: StarHub says 5G network coverage in the above locations may vary and covers mainly outdoor areas only.

The full and updated list of covered areas can be found here.

"Just as how steam, electricity and electronics have enriched our lives, the technology revolution of our era – 5G – will usher in unprecedented speed, simplicity and instantaneity, changing the way we work, play, browse, game, watch and create," said Johan Buse, Chief of Consumer Business Group, StarHub. "Given the broad and infinite possibilities of 5G, we are eager for our customers to catch an early glimpse into the ultra-fast speed and ultra-low-latency upgrades that will empower hundreds of thousands of consumers, enterprises, government clients and Singapore. Our customers' experience means a great deal to StarHub, and we will never stop trying to enhance their lives through 5G information and communication technologies and digital innovation."

 

How do we get a taste of StarHub's 5G networks?

Starting from 18 August 2020, StarHub customers on any of their three Mobile+ plans can expect to stream, surf, and game online 'super smoothly and reliably'. Mobile+ is a relatively new set of plans from StarHub's stable, and they come with a bunch of sign-up bonuses and promotions that offer tons of entertainment, like StarHub TV+ and AntStream Arcade. Mobile+ is a relatively new consumer offering that has been around for about a month. More information about Mobile+ consumer phone plans here.

Three new enterprise plans, called Biz+, will be available to enterprise customers starting on 18 August 2020 as well. Like the folks on Mobile+, Biz+ users are automatically a part of the free 5G trial. These business plans come with enterprise bundles to help businesses go online, such as StarHub's SmartUC Mobile and Microsoft 365 subscriptions included in the mix. Biz+ comes in two-year, SIM-Only one year, and SIM-Only no-contract options. More information about Biz+ plans here.

 

So, can my phone use StarHub's 5G?

StarHub customers using a Huawei P40 Pro or P40 Pro+ smartphone can try out StarHub 5G as soon as tomorrow (18 August 2020). Customers in the Samsung flagship phone camp - specifically the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Note20 (5G variant), and Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra - can expect 5G software updates from Samsung in phases around end-August. Folks using an Oppo Find X2 Pro can receive their 5G software update progressively, starting from end-October. StarHub will continue to work with other phone manufacturers to bring 5G connectivity to their 5G-ready phones.

 

What kind of 5G do we have here?

Currently, the 5G network is 'live' on the 2,100MHz spectrum on non-standalone architecture (5G NSA), which is similar to existing 5G networks in other countries. Come mid-2021, StarHub's 5G standalone (5G SA) services will go live on the 3.5GHz spectrum to support Singapore's digital innovation and industrial access. Sectors will include secure private networking, advanced manufacturing, fully autonomous drones, robots and vehicles, pioneering remote health treatments, immersive AR/VR entertainment, cloud gaming, enhanced remote working capabilities, and plug-and-play fixed wireless connectivity. Nokia is StarHub's technology partner for 5G connectivity.

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