Singtel takes a step towards 5G with the launch of 450Mbps mobile data speeds

A full length HD movie could now be downloaded in less than two minutes.

The game of telcos has intensified suddenly with Singtel's launching of Singapore’s fastest mobile network with the nationwide deployment of a 450Mbps 4G LTE-Advanced service.

This could deliver up to 50% faster download speeds than prevailing LTE services, which allows customers to download a full length HD movie in less than two minutes1 over mobile data. The 450Mbps service is available to all Singtel 4G customers at no additional charge.

Singtel Consumer Singapore chief executive officer Yuen Kuan Moon said this is part of the group's journey to 5G. He noted that the speed enhancement is made possible by Singtel’s nationwide LTE network upgrade to support 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, or 256 QAM, which is a pre-5G technology.

“Singtel is investing ahead to deliver faster speeds and wider connections with the steady deployment of innovative technologies on our live network. With more customers consuming and sharing mobile videos, 450Mbps speeds will enable them to download movies in a flash and give them a better entertainment experience while on the go," he said.

Singtel subscribers with Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 edge can already enjoy 450Mbps speeds while LG V20 users will also be able to harness the higher speeds with a soon-to-be released software update. More compatible smartphone models are expected to be launched by early 2017.