Singtel launches 5G network

The telecom company is offering a free trial to 20,000 select early adopters.

Singtel has launched its 5G non-standalone (NSA) network along with a three-month trial for its consumer and enterprise customers, the company announced in a press release.

The 5G NSA network can deliver more than 1Gbps of speed and uses the 3.5GHz frequency of Singtel’s newly expanded spectrum holdings along with its existing 2100MHz spectrum, the company said.

Along with its launch, Singtel is offering a free three-month trial along with an additional 10GB of local data to 20,000 early adopters. These include the 10,000 existing Singtel Combo and XO customers with compatible 5G handsets who will be progressively provisioned with 5G.

The next 10,000 eligible customers who buy a 5G phone will also get to trial Singtel 5G for free. Beyond the first 20,000 customers, others keen on 5G can also enjoy the trial for $10 per month.

For a start, Singtel’s 5G network will cover areas such as Harbourfront, Bugis and Dhoby Ghaut.

Right now, compatible 5G handsets on Singtel’s 5G network are Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei P40 Pro+, Samsung S20 Ultra 5G and VIVO X50 Pro.

“With COVID-19 driving everyone online and dramatically increasing our reliance on digital services to work, learn and play, 5G is set to be a huge enabler in our lives in this new normal,” noted Yuen Kuan Moon, CEO, consumer Singapore, Singtel.

Singtel was officially awarded a 5G licence issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority in June. A nationwide rollout of 5G services is expected by 2025.