Internet giant Google on Wednesday (August 30) announced that it’ll offer its Google Wifi mesh networking device in Singapore through an exclusive partnership with telco StarHub.
From August 31, customers in Singapore will give you the chance to buy a Google Wifi three-pack for S$15 per 30 days for twenty-four months, provided they register or renew chosen StarHub broadband or bundled plans, Google says.
In a separate press release, StarHub said the network device three-pack shall be offered free with the next plans: standalone 1Gbps fiber broadband service and multi-service SurfHub, HomeHub 1000 and HomeHub Go 1Gbps bundles.
StarHub chief marketing officer Howie Lau said at a pre-launch briefing that every additional Google Wifi router beyond the three offered shall be available for A$199 each.
The launch of Google Wifi means the device has been launched in eight markets, with Singapore being the primary in Southeast Asia to have it. Other Asia-Pacific markets that have already got access to the device include Australia and New Zealand, said Martin Geh, managing director of Asia Pacific Hardware Partnerships at Google.
Consumers with broadband plans from other providers will give you the chance to buy and use the router, Geh said he “strongly encourages” them to buy a router from StarHub and discuss how this could be done.
He declined to disclose how long the exclusive partnership with StarHub would last.
Another executive, Google Wifi product manager Alex King, said people excited about purchasing equipment from other markets, akin to the US, and using it here should reconsider.
“Even if it works, it won’t be advisable,” he said.
He added that one among the important thing aspects that distinguishes traditional routers is that these devices don’t routinely update their software, including installing security patches. Consumers can have to manually update their devices, he said.
Other mesh routers available available in the market include Asus Lyra, Linksys Velop and AirTies offered by telcos M1 and Singtel.
Google Wifi also allows users to prioritize bandwidth by user and schedule Wi-Fi downtime at home, akin to at meal time, when kids need to review, or at bedtime. This can all be done using the Google Wifi app available within the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, he said.
This excellent news comes after its launch in Indonesia “Google Station” – because the show known as – because it debuted in India about 18 months ago.
As announced on August 23, Google has launched its public Wi-Fi program in Indonesia, which provides free connectivity at train stations and other places akin to universities.
According to Geek cultureHere are the several features available with Google Wifi:
Wireless
- AC1200 2×2 Wave 2 Wi-Fi
- Possibility to expand the Wi-Fi network
- Simultaneous dual-band Wiwi (2.4GHz/5GHz) supporting IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- TX beamforming
- Bluetooth Smart Ready
Ports
- Two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports per point. The ports could be configured as WAN or LAN.
Security
- WPA2-PSK
- Automatic security updates
- Trusted platform module
Memory
Power
- 15W power supply
- Consumption ~9W
Color and material / Dimensions and weight
- White, light and sturdy plastic
- Diameter: 106.12 mm
- Height: 68.75 mm
- Weight: 340g
Source: Channel NewsAsia
