Yo, Singtel and M1, it’s time to buck up.

Because your rival Starhub just bro-fisted that rich kid in your class, Google, and got the rights to sell something everyone in the class is practically going gaga for.

Gone are the Linksys and Asus golden age; it’s now a brand new world. What is it exactly? Let’s check it out. With our iconic 10 facts in 60 seconds segment!

1. Google Wifi

If you’re not familiar with Google Wifi, it’s a Wi-Fi system created by Google (duh) that prides itself on its smarts, security and simplicity. It’s even been dubbed ‘The best Wi-Fi system on the market’ by Cnet. Don’t play play.

Anyway, according to Channel News Asia, on August 30, Google announced that it will be offering its mesh networking device Google Wi-Fi in Singapore, as part of an exclusive partnership with Starhub.

2. What’s the difference between a mesh networking system and a normal one?

For one, instead of a single router, mesh networking systems possess multiple Wi-Fi hubs that function as routers, to make sure there’s smooth coverage across rooms.

Apart from being more effective than range extenders, users can also implement as many routers as they want, to cancel out areas with weak connectivity.

So with Google’s latest innovation, you will never have to suffer the pain of having a one bar signal in your room EVER AGAIN.

Google’s a good bud; they’ve got your back, bro.

3. So when can we start queuing for it?

Before you raid all the Starhub outlets, note that it commences ONLY from August 31. So don’t go to a Starhub outlet and start saying stuff like ‘Eh, but Goody Feed told me there’s Google Wi-Fi leh. Walao they cheat my feelings’.

Customers in Singapore would be able to purchase a three-pack Google Wifi bundle at S$15/month for 24 months when they sign up for or renew “selected StarHub broadband or bundled plans”.

4. Special treatment plans

You can get the three-pack networking device without paying any upfront cost if you subscribe to the following plans: The standalone 1Gbps fibre broadband service, multi-service SurfHub, HomeHub 1000 and HomeHub Go 1Gbps bundles.

According to Starhub chief marketing officer Howie Lau, “every additional Google Wifi router on top of the three offered will be available at S$199 per piece.”

Not exactly cheap, but then again, what comes cheap in this world? Oh right, China goods.

5. First in Southeast Asia to have it

Singapore is the FIRST country in Southeast Asia to have Google Wi-Fi. There are seven other countries that currently have it, including Australia and New Zealand.

Wow, Starhub.

6. Can consumers with existing broadband plans with other providers still get the router?

Mr Martin Geh, managing director of Asia Pacific Hardware Partnerships at Google, advises them to seek further information from Starhub itself.

Well, this point is kind of a downer, but I guess we just have to wait and see.

7. Can you just get Google Wi-Fi from overseas?

Non-advisable, according to Alex King, product manager for Google Wi-Fi.

For one, you have to manually upgrade your device. There are no automatic upgrade options available. So don’t expect it to be like your Windows 10, prompting you every single damn time until you chuck your laptop at the wall.

For two, Google Wifi’s team’s default routine is to push out an update to the software every six weeks.

But this is strictly subjective; if there are any security breaches, an urgent update would be required.

For three, you have the option to prioritize bandwidth suiting to your needs. Don’t want your children to stare at their phones during dinner? Just schedule downtime for Wi-Fi then.

But seeing how children are so reckless nowadays, they would probably just use 4G and burn all your mobile expenses. So just keep it on, alright?

So yeah… it’s better to acquire it here in Singapore rather than overseas. For one, you have your friendly buddy Starhub to turn to if shit hits the fan, and you will also have peers to talk to and inquire about.

Imagine if you turned off the Wi-Fi for study time, and try to turn it on again after, only to find out that oops, something’s happened. You can’t exactly ask your overseas provider, “Hey, bro, I’ve got a problem here. Help?”

8. How long will the collaboration last?

While we all hope that it will last forever, companies have other things to think about, so it’s not abnormal for it to last a certain period of time.

So far there have been no direct revelations of how long the partnership will be. Not bad but we’ve got our fingers crossed.

Thoughts

I mean sure, Singtel Fibre Broadband is good. It’s great actually. The speed is top-notch; everything’s perfect. There’s just a little something off.

It can’t pass through the damn wall.

So yeah, Google Wi-Fi buddy, let’s meet for a handshake soon alright?

What about you guys? Would you stick to Singtel or M1, or jump ship just for Google Wi-Fi?

Tell us what you think in the comments!

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Feature Image: businesstimes.com.sg

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com