The company has augmented its LTE network with 900-MHz spectrum, becoming the first operator in Southeast Asia to commercially launch tri-band 4G.

SingTel said it plans to deploy the upgrade at over 400 cites across Singapore by March 2016, in areas including major shopping malls. The operator also plans to improve 4G coverage at some underground MRT stations as well as newer estates.

Via a partnership with Samsung, the operator plans to launch a handset fully supporting tri-band LTE-A in the coming months.

Utilizing all three spectrum bands will allow the device to offer peak speeds of 337Mbps, SingTel said.

Singtel hooks all 123 McDonald’s outlets up with WiFi (Image source: Vulcanpost.com)

“Demand for data is growing exponentially and we are always looking for ways to improve the mobile experience for our customers. Our goal is to deliver the most reliable and seamless connectivity,” SingTel VP of mobile marketing Diana Chen said.

“We have invested heavily over the past year to improve the quality and extent of coverage, particularly indoor coverage. We have also enhanced zones that have been in need of a signal boost.”

SingTel also announced it has signed an agreement with fast food chain McDonald’s to equip 123 outlets across Singapore with its Premium Wi-Fi service. The rollout is expected to be completed by the first half of 2016.

SingTel is currently offering unlimited access to its Premium Wi-Fi service to customers on its Combo plans as a promotional exercise. After November the company will introduce a 2GB data cap.

Telecom Asia