Singtel unveils 5G services at pop-up retail store

It will help power the store’s self-serve kiosks for faster servicing.

Singtel unveiled 5G services at UNBOXED, its 24/7 unmanned pop-up retail store, an announcement revealed, giving consumers and retailers a first-hand taste of 5G.

With this service, customers can benefit with faster services from UNBOXED’s connected self-serve kiosks that allow SIM card replacements, prepaid card purchases, device collection and more while enhancing the store’s security system, the press release said.

Singtel also said that it demonstrated speeds of more than 1Gbps at UNBOXED using its 5G network. For instance, a two-hour HDR movie can be downloaded on a 5G connection in just 40 seconds, the telecom company said.

5G can also power IoT and artificial intelligence, enabling real- time intelligent connectivity and analytics in-store. This allows communication between UNBOXED's roving smart robot ambassador Stanley and 5G virtual assistant Stella at the kiosks.

Stanley is also integrated with the store’s security system to detect customers who are running a temperature as well as ensure customers adhere to safe distancing measures.

As a next-generation retail concept, this contactless service model shows how 5G can help retailers better adapt and reach their customers in a post-COVID new normal, according to Singtel.

“COVID-19 has ushered in a new, digital way of life for many people, accelerating a fundamental shift in the retail industry toward a hybrid online and offline retail model. The deployment of 5G at our pop-up store is timely as its ultra-fast speeds and low latency will make the self-serve retail model even more compelling for a digitally-minded set of consumers,” said Yuen Kuan Moon, CEO, Consumer Singapore, Singtel.