3.5G/HSPA/MaxMobile Service
General Product
- What is HSDPA and how is it different from the current 3G/GPRS network available today?
HSDPA stands for High Speed Downlink Packet Access and is an evolution of 3G technology. It is sometimes called 3.5G. HSDPA is a technology for improving the download performance of the current 3G network. It offers higher data transfer speeds, increased efficiency and greater system capacity for operators.
- What is HSUPA?
HSUPA stands for High Speed Uplink Packet Access, and improves the uplink performance in networks which support HSUPA. 3G networks support a maximum of 384kbps on the uplink. HSUPA will support a maximum of 1.9Mbps. The average uplink speed will be about 1Mbps.
- What is HSPA?
HSPA is a generic term for networks that support both HSDPA and HSUPA, and stands for High Speed Packet Access.
- Do 3.5G/HSPA networks support Voice?
HSPA is purely a data network. All Voice traffic is supported on the current 3G network.
- What are the benefits of using 3.5G/HSPA for the end-user?
As a result of the enhancement, 3.5G/HSPA promises a better broadband multimedia experience. For the business user, HSDPA enables high-speed Internet access and rapid download of emails with attachments. For the consumers, HSDPA allows faster downloading of high-resolution digital images, high-quality music downloads, Mobile TV, and mobile multi-player games.
- What do I need to enjoy the enhanced experience using 3.5G/HSPA?
To enjoy 3.5G/HSPA services, you will require a HSDPA-enabled phone and a 3G USIM.
- What is the maximum download speed of StarHub's 3.5G/HSPA network?
StarHub's 3.5G/HSPA network currently supports download speeds of up to 7.2Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 1.9Mbps.
(Note: Actual bandwidth and speeds experienced are dependent on a combination of factors including the mobile equipment, software used, internet traffic and destination server. Presently only the Mobile Broadband Modem supports up to 7.2Mbps(download) and 1.9Mbps (upload). Most handsets available today only supports HSDPA, with download speeds of up to 3.6Mbps and upload speeds of 384kbps.)
- How does StarHub's 3.5G/HSPA network compare with SingTel's and M1's ?
Both M1 and SingTel's networks supports only HSDPA. It does not support HSUPA. In addition, the HSDPA speed supported on M1/ST's networks are a maximum of 3.6Mbps. (As of 1 August 2007)
- What affects the download and upload speeds when using the HSPA service?
As with any network, the actual bandwidth experienced will have to take into account network and protocol overheads and therefore the actual addressable bandwidth might be lower. In addition to this, performance will also be affected by the following:
- the mobile equipment that you are using and the bandwidth it supports
- the websites and servers you are accessing
- the types of Applications being used
- the radio conditions
- level of congestion on the Internet
- Can all the Mobile Broadband Modems in the market today be used with MaxMobile?
At present only the Huawei E270 Mobile Broadband Modem, which supports up to 7.2Mbps for downloads and up to 1.92 Mbps for uploads, and is available at StarHub shops and Exclusive Partner Outlets, supports the full download and upload speeds which our network supports.
- Is StarHub's HSPA network capacity ready to support its growing MaxMobile customer base?
StarHub will boost its current mobile broadband capacity 1.5 times to downlink speeds of up to 21Mbps (from the current 14.4Mbps), and over five times its uplink speeds of up to 11Mbps (currently 1.9Mbps).
In addition, StarHub plans to expand its mobile base station capacity to at least 3,500 base stations in support of its 1.8 million mobile customers. The network expansion and upgrade is part of StarHub's S$200 million enhancement of its 3G/3.5G network to support higher downlink and uplink speeds. To compliment this upgrade, StarHub is re-engineering its backhaul infrastructure and international links to enhance its current high-speed fixed and mobile broadband throughputs.
Handset-related
- I am a 3G user, can I enjoy 3.5G/HSPA?
All StarHub existing 3G customers are 3.5G/HSPA-ready. However, you would need
to change to a HSDPA-enabled handset in order to enjoy the faster downlink
speeds and services. Please visit our StarHub shops or go online to www.starhub.com/shop for
a list of available handsets. - If I already have a HSDPA handset, do I need to change my settings or
handset configurations?
There is no need to change any settings or configurations to your handset. If
you are in an area where there is 3.5G/HSPA coverage, your handset will be able
to automatically make use of the 3.5G/HSPA data network. - I currently hold a HSDPA handset, do I need to change my USIM to a HSDPA
SIM card?
There are no 3.5G/HSPA-specific SIM cards. As such, you do not need to change
your USIM, as it is able to support 3.5G/HSPA speeds. - What are the available HSDPA handsets available today?
The range of HSDPA handsets includes Samsung Z720, i600, Nokia N95, 6110 navi,
LG Shine, Motorola V3xx.
(Note: Most handsets available today support up to 3.6
Mbps downlink speed.)
For a full list of available handsets, please visit our StarHub shops or go
online to www.starhub.com/shop - What 3.5G/HSPA-related hardwares would I need if I want to enjoy mobile
broadband using my laptop?
You can purchase a 3.5G/HSPA Mobile broadband modem, which would enable you to
enjoy up to 7.2Mbps download speed and up to 1.9Mbps for upload. - How can I tell whether I'm using 3.5G/HSPA? Are there any indicators on
my handset?
You should be able to see a “H” icon, “3G+” or “3.5” icon on your handset. This
would indicate that you are on the 3.5G/HSPA data network. However, the
displayed icon is handset-dependent, and it is not controlled by StarHub. Please
note that these symbols will only be seen during a data session. At other times,
the appropriate 3G symbol will be displayed.
Content/Services-related
- What content and services can I enjoy with 3.5G/HSPA
speeds/handsets?
All current GPRS or 3G services can be enjoyed using 3.5G/HSPA mobile
equipments. - Are there additional charges for these content/services?
No, you will be charged the prevailing GPRS charges where applies. There may be
additional subscription charges if you sign up for other value-added services on
3.5G/HSPA. - Can I still enjoy video streaming and other 3G services?
Yes, video-streaming service is available on 3.5G/HSPA network, where you can
enjoy a better experience with the faster transfer speeds. You can still enjoy
video-calling services with a HSDPA handset.
Roaming
- Can I roam if I am signed up for the 3.5G/HSPA service?
Yes, you can still enjoy roaming services on 3G if 3.5G/HSPA is not available
overseas. - What happens when I travel overseas with my 3.5G/HSDPA
phone?
You can travel overseas with your HSDPA handset as per current 3G handsets, and
enjoy data roaming services at selected 3.5G/HSPA supported destinations. - Will I be able to access StarHub 3G/3.5G content when I am
overseas?
Yes, you will be able to access StarHub's 3G/3.5G content if the visiting
country supports HSDPA or 3G.
Mobile broadband modem
- Are Mobile broadband modems available from StarHub?
Yes, Mobile broadband modems are available from StarHub. They are provided by HuaWei Technologies.
- What speeds does the Mobile broadband modem support?
The Mobile broadband modem supports download speeds of up to 7.2Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 1.9Mbps.
- How do I install the Mobile broadband modem?
The mobile broadband modem is a USB card. You can simply insert the USB Modem cable into the USB slot of your laptop and the USB Modem software will self-install when you first insert it.
- What settings do I use for the mobile broadband modem ?
To simplify the process for customers, StarHub has pre-configured the StarHub settings on the device. The installation process will automatically install StarHub's settings.
- What are the benefits of using a mobile broadband modem and how is it different from the current 3G/GPRS mobile broadband modem available today?
The mobile broadband modem function in the same way as 3G Mobile broadband modem, except that it caters for the higher bandwidth and transfer speeds that 3.5G/HSPA supports. Notebook/laptop users can access the Internet from any location with 3.5G/HSPA coverage.
In the event that 3.5G/HSPA coverage is not available, the mobile broadband modem will support access through the GSM network. The mobile broadband modem will support WiFi access, which means that these mobile broadband modem can be utilised anywhere in Singapore (island-wide coverage).
- What upload and download speeds does the Mobile Broadband 628 USB Stick support?The Mobile Broadband 628 USB Stick supports download speeds of up to 7.2Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 384Kbps.
- What is the upload speed of MaxMobile SurfLite if I am using the Mobile Broadband 628 USB Stick?You will enjoy upload speeds of up to 384Kbps since the modem can only support up to 384Kbps. If you would like to enjoy the higher upload speeds of up to 512Kbps, please purchase the Mobile Broadband E170 USB Stick.
Pricing & Data Plans
- Which of the current StarHub data plans are available to 3.5G/HSPA customers?
All the data plans are applicable for 3.5G/HSDA. For example, you can choose from MaxMobile Lite, MaxMobile Value, MaxMobile Premium, MaxMobile SurfLite and MaxMobile Ultimate, depending on your usage patterns.
All Data Plans (except MaxMobile SurfLite and MaxMobile Ultimate) are available for subscription as a Value-Added Service (ie. on top of a voice plan). All Data Plans are also available for subscription as a datapack, (ie. without voice plan), except for MaxMobile Lite, MaxMobile Value & MaxMobile Premium.
For more details of the data plans, please click here.
- Is StarHub Mobile offering any special promotions to make it attractive for customers to sign up for HSDPA services?
If you are an existing MaxOnline customer, you have the option to sign up for a ‘Connectivity Bundle', where you can enjoy a 50% discount from MaxMobile Unlimited Plan subscription (with unlimited data usage). This offer is extended to all the MaxOnline subscription plans (Express, Premium or Ultimate).
- What are the additional charges when I access StarHub's 3.5G/HSPA content when I am overseas?
The prevailing roaming data charges apply. This is dependent on the destination that you are at.
For more information, please refer to “Data Roaming”.
- What are the charges for IDD video calls for StarHub Mobile 3.5G/HSPA customers?
There are no changes in IDD video calls for 3.5G/HSPA customers. The prevailing IDD charges apply.
View charges.
Customer Policies
- I am an existing 3G customer. Do I need to change my USIM to enjoy 3.5G/HSPA service?
No, you do not need to change your USIM to enjoy 3.5G/HSPA services. Your current 3G USIM can support 3.5G/HSPA as well.
- I am an existing Singtel/M1 port-in customer. Can I sign-up for 3.5G/HSPA service with StarHub?
Yes, you can. You can enjoy 3.5G/HSPA service with your StarHub's 3G USIM card. However, if you are a 2G/2.5G customer, you will have to upgrade to a USIM.
- I am an existing StarHub Mobile customer. Where can I sign up for 3.5G/HSPA data plan/handset with StarHub?
You can call 1633, or visit any one of our StarHub shops to sign up for a 3G/3.5G data plan and purchase a HSDPA-enabled handset.
- Why should I pay for the 7.2Mbps plan when I'm not getting the speed advertised? Can I downgrade to the MaxMobile SurfLite plan?
The advertised speeds are what is achievable based on the technical specification for HSPA. This is the standard practice in the industry for both the fixed and mobile broadband operators worldwide. While not following industry practice is an option for operators, it will result in more confusion in the marketplace.
Today, you have a choice of 2 MaxMobile plans;
- MaxMobile SurfLite supports up to 2Mbps (Downlink) & 512 Kbps (Uplink)
- MaxMobile Ultimate support up to 7.2Mbps (Downlink) & 1.9 Mbps (Uplink)
If you are currently on MaxMobile Ultimate, you can downgrade to MaxMobile Surflite. However, if you are still in contract, an Early Termination Charge will apply.
- If there are no immediate plans to enhance coverage/downlink or uplink speeds, can I terminate or transfer my MaxMobile contract? What are my options?StarHub has plan to expand its mobile base station capacity to at least 3,500 base stations in support its 1.8 million mobile customers.
If you are currently a MaxMobile customer in contract, you cannot transfer this plan to MaxOnline.
However, if you are not in contract, you can consider taking up any MaxOnline Plus plans, a suite of home broadband plans that offers free mobile broadband.
