Published February 4, 2009

SingTel lands a V-Day date with 'Google phone'

Device may make its Singapore debut by next weekend

By WINSTON CHAI

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AFTER its iPhone coup, Singapore Telecom appears to have clinched a similar exclusive deal for the first 'Google phone'. And the handset could send the hearts of gadget-crazed shoppers fluttering by as early as Valentine's Day.

'Google phone': It is powered by Android, a mobile operating system developed by search giant Google. HTC is the first to release an Android-based handset.

The device got its unofficial moniker as it is powered by Android, a mobile operating system developed by search giant Google. Taiwanese phone maker HTC is the first company to release an Android-based handset, called Dream, which also goes by the name T-Mobile G1 in the US.

BT understands the same model looks set to make its Singapore debut next weekend following the conclusion of an exclusive tie-up between SingTel and HTC.

SingTel said it will not comment on 'market speculation'. But the operator - and rival StarHub - previously admitted they were in talks with HTC to bring in the first incarnation of the Google phone.

Industry insiders said SingTel's big bargaining chip is that its handsets can be carried also by regional associates such as Globe Telecom in the Philippines and AIS in Thailand.

T-Mobile signed a similar multi-country deal with HTC, with the US and the UK the flagship launch markets in late 2008. The operator introduced the G1 Google phone in the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Austria last month. And it debuted in Germany on Monday. T-Mobile is retailing the G1 for US$179 with a two-year voice and data contract in the US.

Touted as one of the closest rivals to the iPhone, the Google phone also boasts a full touch-screen interface, as well as high-speed Internet browsing and a built-in 3.2 megapixel camera. It has an additional slide-out keyboard to make it easier for users to type text messages and emails.

Under Singapore's new mobile number portability (MNP) regime, operators are increasingly using exclusive handset deals as a way to entice users to defect, now that they are free to carry over their phone numbers.

Notably, SingTel landed the honour of being the only Singapore telco to carry the coveted Apple iPhone last year.

While the operator may have again won the first bout with the Google phone, its rivals are throwing down the gauntlet by jostling for the right to bring more advanced Android-based devices to Singapore.

'We are working with HTC in particular to bring in the G2 soon. This is the latest model with more exciting form factors and features,' an M1 spokesman said.