Singapore M1 launches 3G data card trial

November 24, 2004

M1 customers in Singapore will be able to experience high-speed data services on the M1 3G network when M1 starts the first phase of its 3G trial on 25 November 2004. The trial will last just over a month and involve mainly corporate customers and business partners.

Some 100 corporate customers will test 3G data cards in the first phase of the trial from 25 November 2004 to 3 January 2005. The second phase, involving 200 consumers and corporate customers using 3G mobile phones, will take place in December.

Customers taking part in the 3G data card trial will be able to have high speed Internet access of up to 384 kbps. With the 3G data cards inserted into their laptops, most of Singapore could be turned into a virtual hotspot.

The rollout of M1's 3G network has proceeded smoothly and according to plan said the company, with the Central Business District and most of the populated parts of Singapore already covered. M1 has exceeded the 95% street level coverage required by IDA and in areas where 3G coverage is not available, customers can expect handover from 3G to 2G.

Neil Montefiore, Chief Executive Officer of M1, said : "We have always stressed that 3G is an evolution and not a revolution and we see these trials as a vital part of that evolutionary process. It will be as much a learning curve for our customers as it is for us in discovering how 3G fits into the users' mobile habits and experience on a daily basis."

"Being a nascent technology, it will certainly take some time for 3G to develop and to mature and consumer expectations will have to be managed accordingly. The feedback from the trials will be extremely useful and we hope to learn and to understand the user experience of our 3G trialists. This will greatly assist us in further optimising the 3G network where necessary and preparing for commercial launch next year," said Mr Montefiore.