StarHub, Huawei to launch first HSPA+ network in APAC

Reuben Lee | Mar 27, 2009

Singapore telco StarHub today announced that it will be introducing Asia-Pacific's first HSPA+ network in Singapore. This mobile broadband service, which will allow customers to enjoy surfing speeds of up to 21Mbps, will be a joint partnership with telecom solutions provider Huawei.

(Credit: StarHub)

The new service, when launched in end April 2009, will possibly be the fastest mobile broadband network in our region. HSPA+ is the enhanced version of HSPA, with theorectical downlink speeds of up to 28Mbps and uplink speeds of 11.5Mbps. Current HSPA networks, such as StarHub's MaxMobile plan (about S$50/month), typically offers Web access speeds of up to 7.2Mbps for downlinks and 2Mbps for uplinks.

According to a StarHub representative, the HSPA+ service is targeted at both consumer and business users. It is expected to come with a monthly subscription of slightly over S$100 (US$71.60), although the actual figure is expected to be much lower after bundle packages and discounts. The Huawei USB dongle (pictured) needed to achieve the 21Mbps speed will cost around S$300 (US$214.81) on its own, before bundling discounts.

The telco is currently offering 100 customers a chance to pilot test the upcoming service in Singapore. More details at the StarHub Web site.

According to earlier reports, Australia's Telstra and Europe's Telekom Austria Group have announced HSPA+ mobile broadband services for their respective markets but have not revealed when this will be.

Filed under: Mobile Phones, Notebooks
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