Singtel showcases 5G standalone use cases and ramps up rollout in Singapore

Singtel
(Image credit: Singtel)

Singtel, whose 5G network covers over two-thirds of Singapore, has launched a number of 5G Standalone (SA) use cases at its ‘Powering Up Singapore With 5G’ event, spanning a variety of sectors from entertainment to mobility and using the benefits of 5G technology to redefine life, work, and play experiences. 

5G use cases

Ways in which Singtel – whom Ookla recently declared Singtel the ‘Fastest 5G mobile operator in Singapore’ in H1 2021 for clocking in the highest median mobile network speed – is delivering new entertainment experiences powered by its 5G SA network. These include 5G-powered remote racing – partnering with Formula Square to deliver an immersive, lag-free experience racing remote-controlled cars powered by 5G at Southside, Sentosa. 

Singtel is also working on other 5G use cases, such as with S.E.A. Aquarium, to bring Singapore’s first underwater 5G livestream of the S.E.A. Aquarium to UNBOXED, Singtel’s unmanned pop-up retail store, where visitors can immerse themselves in the aquatic wonders of the aquarium, viewing manta rays, sharks and shoals of fishes in vivid 4K resolution. 

Collaborating with the National Gallery Singapore and Esplanade – theatres on the Bay, Singtel will deliver cultural and art experiences over 5G, from the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery and the Singtel Waterfront Theatre when it opens next year. 

Lastly, the network has teamed up with Samsung and Zoom to introduce a Productivity Data Pass plan offering data-free usage of Zoom, enabling customers to connect to family and colleagues seamlessly and lag-free. This, coupled with Samsung devices such as DeX, will enable customers to set up virtual workstations easily. 

5G network rollout 

Singtel also continues to expand its 5G network which now covers over two-thirds of Singapore, adding sites in densely populated areas like Choa Chu Kang, Punggol, Sembawang and Tampines. Additionally, it has expanded its 5G indoor coverage to more major shopping malls island-wide such as Funan, West Mall, Tampines Mall, Northpoint City and Waterway Point.

“Essential for the digital developments of the future.”

Josephine Teo, Minister.

Speaking at the ‘Powering Up Singapore With 5G’ event, Minister for Communications and Information Mrs Josephine Teo highlighted the role of 5G, “Mobile networks and data exchanges are key building blocks for the digital infrastructure. 5G, which promises to be ultra-fast and supports near-zero latency, can change the way we live and work in profound ways, and become essential for the digital developments of the future. Building a digital future is certainly about the hardware, software, systems and standards. It is equally about the people and skills. For that, the Government will continue to invest in reskilling and upskilling our people so that they can achieve not just digital literacy but digital mastery. This way, everyone can benefit from the infrastructure.”

5G-enabled reality

“We’re excited to unlock the benefits of a 5G-enabled reality for consumers and enterprises.”

Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Singtel

“With the maturing of 5G technology, we’re excited to unlock the benefits of a 5G-enabled reality for consumers and enterprises,” said Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Group CEO of Singtel. “Its potential to transform business models and deliver enhanced products and services on a scale like never before, will spur Singapore’s digital economy as the country moves into post-COVID recovery. As part of our strategic reset to focus on 5G, we are accelerating our roll-out and the creation of new services. We’re proud to be leading the 5G charge and forging the next chapter of this digital era,” Moon continued.    

5G ‘teleportation’

In a 5G first for Singapore, during the event, Josephine Teo, Minister of Communications and Information and IMDA’s Chief Executive Lew Chuen Hong were ‘teleported’ into the venue via Singtel’s 5G network, in which their high-resolution likeness were beamed from a separate location. The network’s ultra-low latency meant that Minister Teo and Mr Lew could ‘interact’ seamlessly with Mr Yuen on stage.  

Lastly, Singtel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ericsson and global industry partners to collaborate on the development and deployment of advanced 5G enterprise solutions in Singapore. This is part of Singtel’s strategy to nurture a growing and vibrant local 5G ecosystem. The new deal will allow companies to leverage Ericsson’s technology expertise and Singtel’s 5G network, test facilities and capabilities to innovate solutions and scale them up for global deployment.

Rachael Sharpe

Rachael is a British journalist with 17 years experience in the publishing industry. Since launching www.digitalcameraworld.com, she’s been freelancing, and working for some of the world’s best-loved websites and magazines including T3.com and TechRadar.com and has also had a book, iPad for Photographers, published. A regular contributor at 5Gradar, Rachael is following the 5G market closely. Find out more at www.rachaelsharpe.com