S'pore Internet providers ramp up efforts to woo SMBs
Two Singapore Internet providers StarHub and MyRepublic have rolled out separate products targeting SMBs.
The country's number two telco StarHub has launched "SmartPipe", which allows various products such as Internet, voice and IPTV services, to run on one NBN fiber end-user connection without compromising quality.
Each service will also have its own dedicated channel and bandwidth so there is no issue when all three are used at the same time, StarHub said in a statement.
The telco added this product is recommended for SMBs with a maximum of 50 Internet and/or fixed line users; require TV content, high-speed Internet and e-mail; and do not require a static IP for network usage.
New player competes on value, partnerships
Relative newcomer MyRepublic launched three Internet plans for small offices, mid-sized businesses and larger enterprises at S$186 (US$146), S$391 (US$391) and S$999 (US$783) respectively. Besides the number of frills, the cheapest plan comes with 99.5 percent uptime SLA, while the highest tier promises 99.99 percent uptime SLA.
The download and upload speed of 100Mbps is around the same offered by incumbent SingTel's top-tier eVolve Fiber Broadband plan, which is priced at S$238.
Other than competing on price, MyRepublic has also partnered Google, Mako Networks and local IT service provider OSINet, to bundle additional services.
For example, with Google Apps businesses can create their own Web domains, company e-mail addresses as well as use tools such as Gmail and Calendar. Mako Networks will allow remote monitoring and control to restrict office Internet usage, while OSINet lets businesses to replicate features of a large IT department without costs of hosting their own infrastructure.