Users Only Pay Malaysian Local Call Charge
28 September 2000, Singapore -- "StarHub Internet, the first ISP to introduce the Surf-For-Free (SFF) plan to Singapore, scores yet another first for SFF users who can now enjoy the same free dial-up service in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards.
Just like in Singapore, SFF users travelling to Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya can access the Internet for free and pay only Malaysian local telephone call charges. This new service, the first roaming service provided for a free Internet access plan in the region, will be extended to Johor Bahru by the end of the year and other states located in the West Coast Peninsula Malaysia by 1st quarter 2001.
"We want to enable our SFF users to gain the most out of the Internet, and this service by StarHub Internet is the next logical step for us to stay in step with our users’ highly mobile lifestyles. In time, we hope to extend this service further into the region so that SFF users can reach the Internet for free wherever they are," said Mr Kyong Yu, General Manager of StarHub Internet.
All existing users need to do is to download and install a new easy-to-use integrated dialer available at the SFF website www.mystarhub.com.sg. (New users can also request for a SFF CD-ROM Starter kit from StarHub Internet to be delivered via post.) Users can learn more about this new service and win a free surfing trip for two to Surfer’s Paradise, Australia, at the StarHub Surf-for-Free roadshow at Takashimaya Civic Plaza on Saturday, 30th Sept 2000.
This first-ever roaming service for an Internet free-surfing plan is provided through a partnership with Malaysian IASP Maxis Net, who was also a pioneer in introducing free Internet access to the Internet in Malaysia. Similarly, Maxis Net’s Surf-For-Free users will, in return, be able to access their accounts in Singapore through StarHub Internet from mid-November 2000 onwards.
"We are pleased to offer this exciting free Internet roaming capability to our Surf For Free users in partnership with StarHub Internet. This is a significant first for both companies and demonstrates our commitment to offer the best services in this region." Said Mr. Richard Tan, Senior General Manager of Maxis Internet Divison.
StarHub Internet first introduced the Surf-For-Free Plan in December 1999. This no-frills, no-strings-attached free Internet access service proved to be a compelling proposition, with over 100,000 users signing up within the first two weeks. StarHub Internet subsequently achieved its first year target of 200,000 users by the first half of 2000.
At present, StarHub Internet also offers international roaming services for subscribers on its paid plans through Global Reach Internet Connection (GRIC). There is no subscription charge, but subscribers will need to pay access and connection charges to GRIC through StarHub Internet.
