Singtel woos families with 50GB mobile data add-on

SINGAPORE — Heavy data users and families can now look forward to a range of mobile data bundles that Singtel launched on Wednesday (June 1), which go up to a tremendous 50GB of mobile data.

Calling it the supersized DataMore plan, Singtel says the new bundles are ideal for families as they can be shared between multiple users: Up to a total of four subscribers or devices.

There are six new data bundles, which start from 5GB to 50GB. This is in addition to its existing 1GB to 4GB add-on plans.

The catch is the price, which analysts said was high. The regular subscription of a 50GB plan comes in at S$321 per month, although there is a PC Show promotional price of S$267.50 per month for two years. The PC Show will be held at the Singapore Expo from Thursday until Sunday.

The other two telcos, M1 and StarHub, are not launching a similar 50GB service, but pointed out that their own data bundles offer more value for money.

An M1 spokesman said: “We have Upsized Data add-ons which offer up to 12GB additional data bundle at S$5.90 per month, which represent great value for customers with high data usage.”

Singtel’s 10GB DataMore plan costs S$64.20 per month, with a promotional price of S$53.50.

StarHub chief marketing officer Howie Lau said: “Our newly-launched Plus 3 service, which offers additional 3GB of data, is an attractive add-on for customers.”

The Plus 3 costs S$6 a month, while Singtel’s 3GB Datamore plan is S$25.68.

Analysts feel that while most users would not currently see the need for data plans that go up to 50GB, some users would, such as those who watch a lot of videos on the go, as well as business users.

Mr Shiv Putcha, associate director with IDC’s Asia/Pacific Consumer Mobility division, said: “The premium users consume much greater amounts of data and these plans are targeted at this segment. The second ‘innovation’ here is the ability to share the plan. Family plans will become increasingly popular and Singtel is looking to tap into this demand.”