SINGAPORE-Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. said it will begin a free month-long third-generation service trial beginning end-December for about 100 customers. Full commercial service will begin during 2004.
The trial customers, who will be selected from those who register via a SingTel store or on the Web, will be given free use of three services-video calls, video streaming and high-speed Web access. Charges for voice calls, messaging and value-added services will be applied to the participants’ existing SingTel plans.
Selection criteria for the participants will include customers’ current mobile data use and their 3G interest based on their registration forms.
The operator said it will offer the trial participants 3G handsets “at a highly subsidized rate” and possibly free. Participants will be asked for weekly feedback, and some will be asked to take part in focus groups.
Singapore has a highly saturated and competitive market, but market watchers are skeptical about the demand for 3G services in the city-state.
