Singapore’s StarHub has announced that it will cease further rollout of its hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network to new residential and commercial buildings in the city state starting from next month.
In a statement, StarHub said it will deliver its broadband, pay TV and fixed voice services over the Nationwide Broadband Network (NBN) or via its own fiber infrastructure for customers moving into new buildings that obtain “Temporary Occupation Permit” status after April 30.
StarHub had 458,000 pay TV and 467,000 broadband customers by the end of 2017.
Chong Siew Loong, chief technology officer at StarHub, said the telco has been steadily expanding its own fiber infrastructure in the past few years and “a significant number” of its customers already moved to fiber networks.
“StarHub’s own fiber optic network today connects key commercial developments directly, providing companies with diversity in broadband internet access,” Chong said. “Where it is economically viable, we will expand our fiber optic network to connect more commercial buildings to serve customers.”
Chong said StarHub will continue to help the rest [of its customers] to get their homes and offices onto fiber, adding that the company is currently reviewing its options for the existing HFC infrastructure and will inform them in due course.
Offering Google Home with bundled plans
Separately, StarHub has introduced new plans bundling its fixed voice, pay TV and broadband services with Google Home and Home Mini. The launch comes as StarHub said it has become Google’s exclusive telco retail partner for Google Home in Singapore.
Starting from April 20, StarHub said, the Home Mini will be available free for customers who sign up for its new hubbing plan, dubbed HomeHub Plus, for S$68.8 ($52.20) each month. The plan bundles four services including 1Gbps fiber home broadband, up to 77 channels on fiber TV, home phone line and mobile broadband.
HomeHub Plus customers can choose to upgrade to the larger Google Home for S$120, StarHub said, adding that they can buy Wemo Switch smart plug at S$59 each to “augment the smart home experience”. With hands-free help from the Google Assistant, these plugs can be used to control lights and home appliances using simple voice commands.
StarHub is also selling the Google voice-enabled speakers at a discount for existing or new customers who sign up for StarHub’s mobile, pay TV or broadband service.
The operator will also give out a free Google Home for enterprise customers who subscribe to StarHub’s 1Gbps or 500Mbps business broadband plans starting May 1.
The announcements came on the same day that StarHub appointed Peter Kaliaropoulos as its next chief executive officer.