SIMBA Telecom discussion thread

[ecommercenoob]

I for one would love that but with practicality and end stage capitalism in mind, this one will help SIMBA toh instead.

 

[Jurong640]

I for one would love that but with practicality and end stage capitalism in mind, this one will help SIMBA toh instead.

if simba able to disrupt mobile market with $5 for 400gb sg/my/hk data, why not. If they able to do it, means singtel and starhub have been milking chopping carrots all along. then will force st, sh and mediacorp to slash prices.

 

[Jurong640]

Will channel 5 bid for epl rights in future?

they might. they did with world cup, but its a paid service on mewatch. but are you willing to pay for it?

 

[ecommercenoob]

they might. they did with world cup, but its a paid service on mewatch. but are you willing to pay for it?

 

[xiaofan]

1. Indeed SIMBA really disrupted the mobile market.

2. There is one reason why SIMBA did not really disrupt the Fibre Internet service (but did contribute to the lower cost) -- there is a base charge from NLT.

https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...on-latest-promo-deals.6665380/#post-138746372

NLT charges --> S$15 per month per user initially.

Reduced to S$13.80 per month per user based on an IMDA file dated 2-March-2020.

Further reduced to S$13.50 from April 2024 onwards as per a DBS article.

3. PayTV is a declining market due to the competition from Streaming Services. Even SingTel, StarHub and Mediacorp are kind of bundling streaming services now with their own services. And now you can ditch Singtel TV Box or StarHub TV Box, just use Singtel Cast or StarHub TV+ app on compatible devices (small screen or large screen). MeWatch typically works on the same devices as well. Same for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, TVB Anywhere+, Viu Premium, WeTV, Youku International version, iQiyi, etc.

I highly doubt that SIMBA will want to get into the PayTV market.

4. I was a long term Singtel TV user, from Feb 2012. But I finally cancelled it in Oct 2024 due to under-use for quite some years.

Feb 2012 to Sept 2018: Singtel TV Family Starter Pack as part of Singtel Fibre Entertaintment bundle
Sept 2018 to Oct 2024: Singtel TV Family Favourite Pack (50% OFF, free Singtel TV Box rental).

 

[SongManKranji]

Will channel 5 bid for epl rights in future?

U wait nong nong dah.



Life is v short. Ai song song kao tuas & Changi.

 

[xiaofan]

I understand that EPL is the one service which brings people to StarHub TV (and previously SingTel TV).

But I guess the number of EPL viewers who are willing to pay for Starhub/Singtel TV EPL Package will reduce along the way. I don't think the teenagers are that interested in EPL now.

Note 1: I do not care about EPL myself.

Note 2: some users use Paid VPN Service and cheaper overseas EPL subscription to watch EPL from Singapore.

Note 3: some EPL fans may give up too due to the high cost of EPL package. I've seen some colleagues dropped EPL package.

 

[xiaofan]

U wait nong nong dah.

1. If Singtel and Starhub do not bid for EPL for a few seasons, then MediaCorp may get EPL much cheaper.

But unlikly that will happen any time soon.

Starhub --> 6 years rights, 2022 - 2028
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/starhub-premier-league-rights-holder-singtel-2510981

Singtel --> 3 years rights, 2019-2022
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/...ast-rights-for-three-seasons-from-august-2019

Singtel --> 3 years rights, 2016-2019
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singtel-bags-premier-league-rights-again

2. Still overall market trend for the PayTV market is downward,

One reference:
https://itwire.com/business-telecom...ue-to-decline-at-0-4-over-2024-29-report.html

The total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in Singapore is expected to decline at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.4% over the forecast period 2024-2029, with a steady decline in revenue contributions from fixed voice, pay-TV, and mobile voice segments outweighing revenue growth in mobile broadband and fixed broadband segments, according to a new report from one global analytics company.

 

[SongManKranji]

1. If Singtel and Starhub do not bid for EPL for a few seasons, then MediaCorp may get EPL much cheaper.
But unlikly that will happen any time soon.
Starhub --> 6 years rights, 2022 - 2028
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/starhub-premier-league-rights-holder-singtel-2510981
Singtel --> 3 years rights, 2019-2022
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/...ast-rights-for-three-seasons-from-august-2019
Singtel --> 3 years rights, 2016-2019
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singtel-bags-premier-league-rights-again
2. Still overall market trend for the PayTV market is downward,
One reference:
https://itwire.com/business-telecom...ue-to-decline-at-0-4-over-2024-29-report.html
The total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in Singapore is expected to decline at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.4% over the forecast period 2024-2029,
with a steady decline in revenue contributions from fixed voice, pay-TV, and mobile voice segments
outweighing
revenue growth in mobile broadband and fixed broadband segments
, according to a new report from one global analytics company.

Later Singtel take 2028 to 2038....than StarHub turn again....



Life is v short. Ai song song kao tuas & Changi.

 

[ecommercenoob]

U wait nong nong dah.



Life is v short. Ai song song kao tuas & Changi.

 

[ecommercenoob]

Later Singtel take 2028 to 2038....than StarHub turn again....



Life is v short. Ai song song kao tuas & Changi.

 

[froztheart]

if simba able to disrupt mobile market with $5 for 400gb sg/my/hk data, why not. If they able to do it, means singtel and starhub have been milking chopping carrots all along. then will force st, sh and mediacorp to slash prices.

Definitely can be lower, but probably not $5.

 

[BBCWatcher]

This isn't actually true with 5G due to another, previous decision IMDA made: allowing M1 and StarHub to form a joint 5G venture (Antina). Legally, currently, M1 and StarHub are expressly allowed to collude to some degree. There are presently only 3 physical 5G networks in Singapore: Singtel, Antina, and SIMBA. After a SIMBA-M1 merger there'd still be 3 physical 5G networks in Singapore. For better or worse, IMDA already adopted a 3 network 5G strategy. This proposed merger gives IMDA the opportunity (if it wishes) to fine tune its 3 network strategy. And perhaps even to prepare for a "3½" network strategy for 6G, with another potential SIMBA (new entrant).

SIMBA and M1 merging would presumably reduce the number of 4G networks from 4 to 3. But 4G network consolidation in 2026+ could actually be a good thing for consumers. It's hard to predict exactly, but the competitive landscape even in the "budget" segments seems to be shifting to 5G fairly rapidly. Consolidating 2 of the 4G networks over the next year or two might work well technically and competitively within this general trend. In particular, it might make it easier to manage and reallocate spectrum from 4G to 5G in ways that are better for both 4G and 5G consumers. Oversimplifying slightly, SIMBA's 5G network is relatively terrible, and M1's 4G network is relatively terrible. Combining the two could help improve both.

I keep an open mind. I don't think this is a black and white issue.

 

[A7997A]

This isn't actually true with 5G due to another, previous decision IMDA made: allowing M1 and StarHub to form a joint 5G venture (Antina). Legally, currently, M1 and StarHub are expressly allowed to collude to some degree. There are presently only 3 physical 5G networks in Singapore: Singtel, Antina, and SIMBA. After a SIMBA-M1 merger there'd still be 3 physical 5G networks in Singapore. For better or worse, IMDA already adopted a 3 network 5G strategy. This proposed merger gives IMDA the opportunity (if it wishes) to fine tune its 3 network strategy. And perhaps even to prepare for a "3½" network strategy for 6G, with another potential SIMBA (new entrant).

SIMBA and M1 merging would presumably reduce the number of 4G networks from 4 to 3. But 4G network consolidation in 2026+ could actually be a good thing for consumers. It's hard to predict exactly, but the competitive landscape even in the "budget" segments seems to be shifting to 5G fairly rapidly. Consolidating 2 of the 4G networks over the next year or two might work well technically and competitively within this general trend. In particular, it might make it easier to manage and reallocate spectrum from 4G to 5G in ways that are better for both 4G and 5G consumers. Oversimplifying slightly, SIMBA's 5G network is relatively terrible, and M1's 4G network is relatively terrible. Combining the two could help improve both.

I keep an open mind. I don't think this is a black and white issue.

My experience with Simba's 4G network is pretty abysmal.
It is their 5G network that even get anything done. It is not great, but much better than their 4G.

 

[JAYSCS]

This isn't actually true with 5G due to another, previous decision IMDA made: allowing M1 and StarHub to form a joint 5G venture (Antina). Legally, currently, M1 and StarHub are expressly allowed to collude to some degree. There are presently only 3 physical 5G networks in Singapore: Singtel, Antina, and SIMBA. After a SIMBA-M1 merger there'd still be 3 physical 5G networks in Singapore. For better or worse, IMDA already adopted a 3 network 5G strategy. This proposed merger gives IMDA the opportunity (if it wishes) to fine tune its 3 network strategy. And perhaps even to prepare for a "3½" network strategy for 6G, with another potential SIMBA (new entrant).

SIMBA and M1 merging would presumably reduce the number of 4G networks from 4 to 3. But 4G network consolidation in 2026+ could actually be a good thing for consumers. It's hard to predict exactly, but the competitive landscape even in the "budget" segments seems to be shifting to 5G fairly rapidly. Consolidating 2 of the 4G networks over the next year or two might work well technically and competitively within this general trend. In particular, it might make it easier to manage and reallocate spectrum from 4G to 5G in ways that are better for both 4G and 5G consumers. Oversimplifying slightly, SIMBA's 5G network is relatively terrible, and M1's 4G network is relatively terrible. Combining the two could help improve both.

I keep an open mind. I don't think this is a black and white issue.

Actually the reason behind is the same, to increase competitiveness as 5G network setup was expensive so IMDA allowed a JV for M1 and SH to bid, instead of letting ST become the only 5G provider. That is also why Simba is given a small spectrum, not to be totally left out.

Now, if the merger is approved, how will it make the market more competitive and vibrant when all telcos are contented? If no merger approved and let the market remains as it is definitely seemed to be a better option. Unless IMDA can be sure that the outcome of the merger proves otherwise, it is better if it ain't broken, don't fix it.

 

[BBCWatcher]

My experience with Simba's 4G network is pretty abysmal.
It is their 5G network that even get anything done. It is not great, but much better than their 4G.

I'm oversimplifying.

There's a reasonable argument that we currently have 2½ 5G networks in Singapore: Singtel, Antina, and the "half" network (SIMBA) which significantly lags the other two in terms of network performance. And that shifting M1 to SIMBA (and presumably breaking up Antina in some orderly fashion) would effectively upgrade Singapore's 5G network landscape from 2½ networks to 3 more evenly competitive networks. And consequently spur StarHub (in particular) to be more competitive, but also Singtel to some extent. Maybe it wouldn't work out that way, and we seem to have pretty intense competition right now even with the current network landscape. But I think it's a reasonable argument.

 

[JAYSCS]

I'm oversimplifying.

There's a reasonable argument that we currently have 2½ 5G networks in Singapore: Singtel, Antina, and the "half" network (SIMBA) which significantly lags the other two in terms of network performance. And that shifting M1 to SIMBA (and presumably breaking up Antina in some orderly fashion) would effectively upgrade Singapore's 5G network landscape from 2½ networks to 3 more evenly competitive networks. And consequently spur StarHub (in particular) to be more competitive, but also Singtel to some extent. Maybe it wouldn't work out that way, and we seem to have pretty intense competition right now even with the current network landscape. But I think it's a reasonable argument.

The splitting of Antifa is an issue that is still muddy and will remain a problem. If the merger is approved without resolving this issue, definitely this merger is not making the market competitive but stagnant. I see that the approval of JV of SH and M1 5G network was really a bad decision by IMDA. But I guess IMDA had no choice given the urgency to roll out 5G and the lack of competition then.

 

[BBCWatcher]

Actually the reason behind is the same, to increase competitiveness as 5G network setup was expensive so IMDA allowed a JV for M1 and SH to bid, instead of letting ST become the only 5G provider. That is also why Simba is given a small spectrum, not to be totally left out.

I happen to think IMDA made a reasonable decision in allowing StarHub and M1 to form a joint 5G venture. Regardless, that's "water under the bridge." Now IMDA gets another "bite at the apple."

Now, if the merger is approved, how will it make the market more competitive and vibrant when all telcos are contented? If no merger approved and let the market remains as it is definitely seemed to be a better option. Unless IMDA can be sure that the outcome of the merger proves otherwise, it is better if it ain't broken, don't fix it.

Regulators shouldn't be blocking business transactions absent a compelling (and legal) public interest reason. There happens to be at least one compelling public interest in allowing the merger to proceed: possible retaliation in Australia. Singtel's continued ownership of Optus is particularly fragile right now given their recent interruptions to emergency calls there. I think most people would agree that it's in the national public interest for Singtel to be able to compete and grow globally, not to be knocked out of Australia. I can't predict what the Australian government would do if SIMBA cannot merge with M1, but it's one of the first scenarios I thought of when this proposed merger was announced.

 

[JAYSCS]

I happen to think IMDA made a reasonable decision in allowing StarHub and M1 to form a joint 5G venture. Regardless, that's "water under the bridge." Now IMDA gets another "bite at the apple."

Regulators shouldn't be blocking business transactions absent a compelling (and legal) public interest reason. There happens to be at least one compelling public interest in allowing the merger to proceed: possible retaliation in Australia. Singtel's continued ownership of Optus is particularly fragile right now given their recent interruptions to emergency calls there. I think most people would agree that it's in the national public interest for Singtel to be able to compete and grow globally, not to be knocked out of Australia. I can't predict what the Australian government would do if SIMBA cannot merge with M1, but it's one of the first scenarios I thought of when this proposed merger was announced.

Indeed, guess the merger will be approved regardless of whether it will benefit the consumers or not. The public survey is just formality.

 

[ST9611]

Recently I observe that Simba deduct data much faster and much more. Anyone has similar experience. My plan is up for renewal 1-2 days. I use for a few mins and sometimes more than 1gb got deducted.