Switching Telco advice needed

[dyunasing]

Hi all,
Have been with Starhub for almost 20 years. Have 2 mobile lines (Mobile+ $65), broadband and TV bundle (sports tv pass and Netflix) with them. After the 20% Hubclub discount, I am paying $177. But last year they removed the annual handset upgrade benefit. I am thinking of switching to another Telco. My contract will be due in a few months time. Anyone has similar experience to share? Thank you in advance.

Dyu

 

[Ye_Rongtian]

All due to end in few months? Only singtel have mobile, TV and broadband. M1 don't have. Singtel only offer 10% off TV, mobile and broadband.

 

[firesong]

Hi all,
Have been with Starhub for almost 20 years. Have 2 mobile lines (Mobile+ $65), broadband and TV bundle (sports tv pass and Netflix) with them. After the 20% Hubclub discount, I am paying $177. But last year they removed the annual handset upgrade benefit. I am thinking of switching to another Telco. My contract will be due in a few months time. Anyone has similar experience to share? Thank you in advance.

Dyu

No annual headset discount for Singtel too. They scrapped it.

And doing the math, I find Starhub cheaper for my family - including the Netflix and Disney+ subscriptions for TV. Singtel's TV offerings have also suffered because of the removal of the Disney group channels, and the replacements are inadequate - my dad is still complaining about the lower quality of shows.

Initially, because of the elderly at home needing Cable TV, my family switched from SH to ST 2 years back as SH lost a lot of channels and never added them back. Now we're planning to wait out the contract to switch back to SH since TV is not better, and broadband isn't better either. The only advantage is mobile coverage, but it's not that significantly better. ST is slightly better than SH, but SH coverage is very noticeably superior to M1 and TPG's.

Added bonus, since StarHub owns the rights to Disney+ in Singapore, they have been giving Disney+ free for many bundles. The extra shows help, provided you can use an app interface (my parents still cannot navigate it on their own).

And they have the rights for Soccer in future, so that is something to consider - hopefully they go back to Pre-Singtel prices, cos with Singtel the prices really spiked.

 

[anthonygreenisreal]

Now no point for loyalty already. Can choose to go with whoever offers the best service for cheapest price.

 

[keenklee]

No annual headset discount for Singtel too. They scrapped it.

And doing the math, I find Starhub cheaper for my family - including the Netflix and Disney+ subscriptions for TV. Singtel's TV offerings have also suffered because of the removal of the Disney group channels, and the replacements are inadequate - my dad is still complaining about the lower quality of shows.

Initially, because of the elderly at home needing Cable TV, my family switched from SH to ST 2 years back as SH lost a lot of channels and never added them back. Now we're planning to wait out the contract to switch back to SH since TV is not better, and broadband isn't better either. The only advantage is mobile coverage, but it's not that significantly better. ST is slightly better than SH, but SH coverage is very noticeably superior to M1 and TPG's.

Added bonus, since StarHub owns the rights to Disney+ in Singapore, they have been giving Disney+ free for many bundles. The extra shows help, provided you can use an app interface (my parents still cannot navigate it on their own).

And they have the rights for Soccer in future, so that is something to consider - hopefully they go back to Pre-Singtel prices, cos with Singtel the prices really spiked.

IMHO.
For mobile, how you find Starhub vs Singtel ?

 

[dyunasing]

Actually tv is not a must for me. Ñetflix and YouTube is more than sufficient for the kids. So if the price is right, don't mind switching to M1 also.

 

[firesong]

IMHO.
For mobile, how you find Starhub vs Singtel ?

Comparably equal for my use case. SIngtel seems to have deteriorated the past 5 months or so, whereas Starhub has noticeably improved.

If you study the MVNO landscape, it also coincides with the number of MVNOs leasing the network - StarHub has shrugged off all but RedOne, whereas Singtel seems to be on a MVNO recruitment binge. 2 years ago, a general speedtest at most areas would result in a 130+Mbps speed (or even more), it's now about 50-80Mbps even at home. Pretty shocking drop when compared directly to each other, but still usable. The one StarHub line I have at home has taken over Singtel's spot as the "speed king".

Generally, in terms of company "feel", I currently rate SH >> ST. ST seems to be rather arrogant in approach and is resting on their laurels. The CSO's general attitude reflects that, and I've been in and out of the stores more often than I'd like since December (helping or tagging along with friends' to get their TV/BB/Mobile stuff done.)

Since loyalty discounts are no longer a factor, for one who wants the cheapest across the board, I'd say go with M1 for home broadband, go with StarHub for mobile (cos coverage is better than M1's and prices are better than ST) or MVNOs like Vivifi's $9/mo, and just sign up with Disney+ and Netflix on your own. Some of Starhub's plans have Disney+ in it, but you can factor it in and decide which is cheaper - Disney+ is $10/month if you pay yearly ($120/y) rather than monthly ($12) - perhaps that data glut in the family can get the 5G SIM-Only plan that has D+ bundled for $28/mo. StarHub's cable TV bundle with Netflix Standard isn't too shabby too, and you can pay just $4 more if you want premium/4K access - useful in my case so my dad can hog the TV as usual, mom can use their room TV to watch Korean drama on the TV, and sis and I are free to watch on our laptops/tablets.

 

[keenklee]

Comparably equal for my use case. SIngtel seems to have deteriorated the past 5 months or so, whereas Starhub has noticeably improved.

If you study the MVNO landscape, it also coincides with the number of MVNOs leasing the network - StarHub has shrugged off all but RedOne, whereas Singtel seems to be on a MVNO recruitment binge. 2 years ago, a general speedtest at most areas would result in a 130+Mbps speed (or even more), it's now about 50-80Mbps even at home. Pretty shocking drop when compared directly to each other, but still usable. The one StarHub line I have at home has taken over Singtel's spot as the "speed king".

Generally, in terms of company "feel", I currently rate SH >> ST. ST seems to be rather arrogant in approach and is resting on their laurels. The CSO's general attitude reflects that, and I've been in and out of the stores more often than I'd like since December (helping or tagging along with friends' to get their TV/BB/Mobile stuff done.)

Since loyalty discounts are no longer a factor, for one who wants the cheapest across the board, I'd say go with M1 for home broadband, go with StarHub for mobile (cos coverage is better than M1's and prices are better than ST) or MVNOs like Vivifi's $9/mo, and just sign up with Disney+ and Netflix on your own. Some of Starhub's plans have Disney+ in it, but you can factor it in and decide which is cheaper - Disney+ is $10/month if you pay yearly ($120/y) rather than monthly ($12) - perhaps that data glut in the family can get the 5G SIM-Only plan that has D+ bundled for $28/mo. StarHub's cable TV bundle with Netflix Standard isn't too shabby too, and you can pay just $4 more if you want premium/4K access - useful in my case so my dad can hog the TV as usual, mom can use their room TV to watch Korean drama on the TV, and sis and I are free to watch on our laptops/tablets.

IMHO.
Thanks for the analysis.
I will find time to get a Starhub Pre-paid and see how it performs around the areas I'm frequent.
I guess ST don't really care about the SG market and is happy just managing MVNOs.

 

[Ye_Rongtian]

No annual headset discount for Singtel too. They scrapped it.

They have not scrapped it.

https://www.singtel.com/personal/products-services/broadband/singtel-circle
UP TO $350
annual handset upgrade fee waiver

 

[firesong]

They have not scrapped it.

https://www.singtel.com/personal/products-services/broadband/singtel-circle
UP TO $350
annual handset upgrade fee waiver

I guess it's a matter of perspective, depending on how you see it.

I hope you've read the revised terms and conditions here with their change in plans:
https://www.singtel.com/content/dam/singtel/Ads_TermsAndConditions/Singtel Circle FAQs.pdf
2. You need a minimum of one new XO plans to be on Circle. There's also only one Combo plan remaining, the $239 Combo 12 plan, which gets the full $350. But $239/month is quite painful for most normal users.

3. When you realise the annual early upgrade penalty is $350, and your discounts for XO plans is only $200 (unless you're on the $239/month Combo 12), you're still out of pocket by $150 for an early upgrade.

---

Yes it's semantics here that's being played by Singtel. But I believe when most people think of the "old" early upgrade program, it meant without paying a cent to upgrade. Not having to pay less, to the tune of +$150 extra on top of the phone costs. Bear in mind many of us still remember the early upgrade penalty used to be +$100, while we could get up to $500 worth of vouchers annualy with Red Prestige and/or the right plan (sometimes even both). Meaning an early upgrade even got us up to $400 off the price of handsets back then. I was one of the Red Prestige members early on, so I remember this very well.

So as far as most users are concerned, when you consider the practical realities of the early upgrade - it's been scrapped. But some could argue that "pay less" = "pay less", so not scrapped. Semantics here.

PS: I take the word "discount" to mean overall nett cost paid by customer for the phone is less than the asking plan price. Here it's +$150 unless you're on Combo 12. But if you can afford to pay $239/month, then it doesn't make any difference to you.

 

[dyunasing]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[*adiBOY]

Any comment on the new ST XO Plus 288 plan which replaces the Combo 12 plan?

 

[jess_sy]

Any comment on the new ST XO Plus 288 plan which replaces the Combo 12 plan?

For CIS discount only 20%.... last time for combo plan able to get higher discount rate.

 

[*adiBOY]

For CIS discount only 20%.... last time for combo plan able to get higher discount rate.

Yah I see now 20% across the board, only StarHub offers 30%.

Still thinking if the ST plan is worth to take up. I assumed the $500 handset voucher is to offset the $350 early upgrade cost? So in total only $150 is being offset?

 

[battledome64]

Comparably equal for my use case. SIngtel seems to have deteriorated the past 5 months or so, whereas Starhub has noticeably improved.

If you study the MVNO landscape, it also coincides with the number of MVNOs leasing the network - StarHub has shrugged off all but RedOne, whereas Singtel seems to be on a MVNO recruitment binge. 2 years ago, a general speedtest at most areas would result in a 130+Mbps speed (or even more), it's now about 50-80Mbps even at home. Pretty shocking drop when compared directly to each other, but still usable. The one StarHub line I have at home has taken over Singtel's spot as the "speed king".

Generally, in terms of company "feel", I currently rate SH >> ST. ST seems to be rather arrogant in approach and is resting on their laurels. The CSO's general attitude reflects that, and I've been in and out of the stores more often than I'd like since December (helping or tagging along with friends' to get their TV/BB/Mobile stuff done.)

Since loyalty discounts are no longer a factor, for one who wants the cheapest across the board, I'd say go with M1 for home broadband, go with StarHub for mobile (cos coverage is better than M1's and prices are better than ST) or MVNOs like Vivifi's $9/mo, and just sign up with Disney+ and Netflix on your own. Some of Starhub's plans have Disney+ in it, but you can factor it in and decide which is cheaper - Disney+ is $10/month if you pay yearly ($120/y) rather than monthly ($12) - perhaps that data glut in the family can get the 5G SIM-Only plan that has D+ bundled for $28/mo. StarHub's cable TV bundle with Netflix Standard isn't too shabby too, and you can pay just $4 more if you want premium/4K access - useful in my case so my dad can hog the TV as usual, mom can use their room TV to watch Korean drama on the TV, and sis and I are free to watch on our laptops/tablets.

Bro I agree with this. My area reception Singtel is poor and Singtel CSO said I can consider recontracting with another telco. Wow…it’s like asking to walk away

 

[xonix]

Bro I agree with this. My area reception Singtel is poor and Singtel CSO said I can consider recontracting with another telco. Wow…it’s like asking to walk away

It's not a difficult decision, between building a cell tower to service your area and losing your business,

 

[anthonygreenisreal]

Bro I agree with this. My area reception Singtel is poor and Singtel CSO said I can consider recontracting with another telco. Wow…it’s like asking to walk away

They are just honest Employee who gives you good and honest answer instead of BS-ing you. Kudos for that.

 

[firesong]

Bro I agree with this. My area reception Singtel is poor and Singtel CSO said I can consider recontracting with another telco. Wow…it’s like asking to walk away

I have to say it's a good thing. Rather than force you to subscribe for a service that does not work for you and demand you fulfil the terms of the contract, letting you go is a good thing.

Since it's unclear, here I'm assuming they waived the termination penalty and cancelled your contract. But if not, then yes it's quite something else.

 

[KlavierX]

if it helps.. my colleagues both using singtel office near ssdc woodlands got no network recently since saturday - customer cannot reach them