The operator launched 5G via a MVNO agreement with local carrier Singtel
Singaporean firm Zero1 has become the first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to offer 5G services in the country.
Zero1 on launched 5G services to its customers on September 9 and says that it is providing 5G coverage in 95% of the country.
The company is offering 5G through an agreement with local carrier Singtel, according to local press reports. The MVNO is relying on Singtel’s Non-standalone (NSA) network infrastructure for the provision of 5G across the country.
Stuart Tan, CEO and founder of Zero1, said: “Zero1 takes a zero-compromise approach towards user experience, which is why we offer unlimited data for users who exceed their data cap. With the launch of our 5G network service, we are able to elevate our customers’ experience to the next level with improved download speeds.”
In July, Singtel said its 5G Standalone network already covered over 95% of the country’s territory.
Singtel noted that the milestone comes more than three years ahead of the regulatory target for this level of coverage, which is at the end of 2025.
Singtel’s 5G SA network now covers more than 1,300 outdoor locations and over 400 building across Singapore.
Singtel had announced the launch of its 5G SA network in the country in May of 2021. The carrier had partnered with Korean company Samsung to launch the 5G SA network, which runs on 3.5 GHz spectrum.
Singtel had initially launched its 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) network in September of 2020, using spectrum in the 3.5 GHz frequency as well as existing 2.1 GHz spectrum.
The carrier also has said it is using 28 GHz mmWave spectrum, in addition to the 3.5 GHz and 2.1 GHz bands, to boost its 5G deployment in Singapore. Singtel has switched on mmWave in several locations across the island, including Orchard Road, the Padang area and Marina Bay Sands Expo.
Rival operators Starhub and M1 are expected to fully deploy their 5G SA networks by the end of the year while TPG Telecom is still building out its 5G network, according to local press reports.
