M1 launches 3G in Singapore
February 20, 2005
M1 launched its 3G service on 17 February, with sale of 3G handsets at select M1 shops. The 3G service will offer video calls at S$0.40 per minute but video streaming, MP3 downloads and Internet surfing will remain free until 31 March 2005.
To encourage 3G usage and video calls, a pair of Motorola E1000 3G phones will be sold at a very special price of S$1,196. The other 3G phone available at launch is the Nokia 6630 which will be sold at S$798 each. (£1 = S$3.1)
To further encourage convenient and seamless migration, M1 customers can upgrade to 3G on their current tariff plans by simply buying a 3G handset and switching to a 3G SIM card. Those on the higher-end plans will also enjoy S$10 worth of free video calls every month until 31 December 2005.
M1 customers will also be able to make international video calls to 12 countries and enjoy 3G roaming in seven countries. These countries include Hong Kong, France and Germany. M1's 3G services will be extended to more destinations in the next few months.
Besides offering video calls, the 3G service will allow MP3 download of songs from a library of more than 4,000 tracks of different musical genres from the international, Chinese and Cantonese charts. Other offerings include live feed of the latest news from Channel News Asia; video clips of City Beat, a MediaCorp variety programme; 3G streaming of the latest music videos and trailers of new releases in the cinemas.
M1 is also working on other 3G content that will help to entice customers to move into 3G. Upcoming contents include a drama serial produced by MediaCorp for 3G phones, international sports and entertainment programmes as well as other customised items.
"M1 customers can expect to see more 3G offerings being made available as we continue to acquire exciting and fresh content that are useful and relevant to them. Besides compelling content, we want to be able to offer our customers affordable pricing and easy and seamless migration so that they can fully enjoy the benefits of 3G," said M1's Chief Executive Officer, Neil Montefiore.
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