Singapore operator MobileOne Asia (M1) has launched a new plug-and-play internet TV service allowing its broadband users to surf the Web and access a range of paid entertainment content via 1box, a device that connects to the HDMI port on a television set. M1’s valued added service (VAS) utilises the operator’s high speed broadband network and costs between SGD5 and SGD12 (USD3.9 and USD9.3), with customers having to commit to signing up for a minimum three months. The signing on fee includes the rental of the 1box, and pay-per-view movies are priced at between SGD3.2 and SGD5.4, with an iConcert Unlimited Pass costing SGD5.4 per month. Commenting on the launch, M1’s chief marketing officer P Subramaniam said: ‘1box will be one of many more innovative services from M1 that will leverage on our ultra-fast fibre broadband service that was launched on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network.’
In September this year the operator launched a free three-month trial for residential users interested in its 100Mbps fibre-optic broadband service, and whose homes are ready for connection under the national broadband scheme. It also introduced four tariff plans that offer downlink speeds of 1Gbps, 100Mbps, 50Mbps and 25Mbps, priced from SGD39 to SGD399 per month.
According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, M1 reported a 25.3% year-on-year increase in revenues for the six months ended 30 June 2010 to SGD472.1 million (USD343.5 million), driven by higher service revenue and handset sales. Half-year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was SGD156.7 million, up 1% year-on-year, while net income for the six months under review came in at SGD80.1 million – up by 1.5%. M1 added that in the fiscal second quarter to 30 June 2010, net profit topped SGD40.8 million, 10% higher year-on-year. The cellco said that non-voice services contributed 30.8% of service revenues in the six-month period, up from 25.1% a year ago, driven by growth in its mobile broadband internet services and a rise in smartphone users. In terms of customers, M1 recorded 53,000 net new additions in the second quarter of this year (32,000 pre-paid and 21,000 post-paid) for a total 1.849 million mobile users by 30 June.