SCV MaxOnline stays with S$76 fee for now

In a statement today, the company noted that subscribers who sign up for its broadband access service--valued at S$96 a month--before December 31 will enjoy the fixed rate for one year.

"After this (S$76) promotion, subscribers will pay the prevailing rates, which will be determined then," an SCV spokesperson said in an email response.

According to her, the company "is keen to share the benefits of broadband with users in Singapore and to promote its usage" and has revised its year-end target for MaxOnline to 70,000 homes, up from its initial year target of 55,000 homes. As of May 31, the company said it signed on 56,000 homes to the service.

Subscribers can also save themselves the S$52 cable modem installation charge. Under SCV's new "cash-and-carry" scheme, customers can sign up for the MaxOnline service at authorized resellers, pick up and install the USB cable modems themselves. (SCV's 25-plus authorized resellers include Computer Etc Pte Ltd, CyberActive Computer Pte Ltd, MyITcare.com Pte Ltd and eWireless.com.sg.)

However, the company will continue to loan cable modems and associated peripherals to subscribers so they do not have to invest in any hardware. The total cost is over S$800.

SCV, which is also the island's sole cable TV operator, added that it will continue to bundle its MaxTV and MaxOnline offerings. MaxTV subscribers can buy MaxOnline at S$66 a month until the end of the year. This promotional rate is valid for one year from the date of subscription. It announced last week that it has repackaged its cable television subscription plan to give subscribers more say on which channels they want access to, and to pay accordingly.

Also interesting to note: Pacific Internet on Friday introduced a bundled deal offering consumers a Compaq Presario 5000 PC together with unlimited broadband access for a total of S$3,995.40 over three years. The Pacific Internet offer, which ended on June 3, has been extended to June 10.