Service Overview

  1. What is Broadband on Mobile?
    BroadBand on Mobile Service is also known as HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) or 3.5G, which is the enhancement of data transmission speed in 3G. HSDPA is the next evolution of 3G, delivering typical user data speeds of 1-3 Mbps down-link and 384Kbps uplink. HSDPA is able to reach up to 14Mbps theoretically.
  2. What is the difference between HSDPA and 3G?
    BroadBand on Mobile (or HSDPA) is providing very much higher up and down-link as compared to 3G (see previous question). For example, a MP3 (approximately 1 min audio) of 1MB will take about 20 sec to download in 3G, but about 5 sec in 3.5G.

    At a typical speed of 3.6Mbps (9 times faster than 3G) with a reduced response time, HSDPA offers advanced multimedia and high speed services with an overall better experience.


Service Usage

  1. What can I do on BroadBand on Mobile?
    You can do the usual functions on a normal mobile device e.g. voice/video call, SMS, MMS, WAP & Internet surfing, emailing etc. On top of that, you can enjoy high speed downloading of data or watching a much higher quality video on the device.
  2. Can I make Voice calls when using BroadBand on Mobile service?
    You may not be able to make or receive voice calls during an active HSDPA data session. This is a network constraint currently, which will be resolved when we launch the service.
  3. Can I make video call in BroadBand on Mobile? Is it clearer in BroadBand on Mobile?
    Yes, you can make video calls (3G.324M or otherwise known as Circuit-Switch) in BroadBand on Mobile. It is the same speed as 3G i.e. 64kbps, so it will be the same quality as 3G.


Commercial Trial

  1. What is the objective of the Service Commercial Trial?
    This Trial is to allow selected SingTel Mobile 3G subscribers to have a preview on this new technology. Users will be able to experience a much higher speed data transmission at 3.5G at Orchard area.
  2. How long is the Commercial Trial?
    The Commercial Trial will last at least 2 months from end Nov 06.
  3. Where is the Commercial Trial?
    It is covered in Orchard area stretching from Dhoby Ghaut MRT to Orchard MRT. There will be selected in building coverage, e.g. Takashimaya, Plaza Singapura etc.
  4. What is the data speed we can enjoy at the Trial?
    You will be able to enjoy a speed of up to 3.6Mbps at the Trial area. However, do note that not all mobile devices are able to support up to that speed at the moment. As of Nov 06, most of the devices only support up to 1.8Mbps.
  5. What is the BroadBand on Mobile coverage compared to 3G?
    During the trial, the coverage is only limited to Orchard area. SingTel will be expanding the coverage in phases to cover the whole island by end of 2007.
  6. I am a trial user. Do I need to set something or re-configure the phone to access to BroadBand on Mobile?
    No, your HSDPA phone will automatically detect that you are in a BroadBand on Mobile coverage area and when you start a data session, they will use the highest available bandwidth i.e. HSDPA.
  7. Are BroadBand on Mobile devices popular? What is the availability of these devices?
    According to the GSA survey dated 16 Nov 06, 86 HSDPA-enabled devices have been launched in the market. Majority of them are handsets and PC datacards (PCMCIA card) and the rest are USB modems and wireless routers.
    8. Dopod Pro 838 is already available at the Hello! shops and another Dopod Model D810 will be available in the first week of Dec 06. There are more handsets launching in the coming months.