In my earlier posts, I wrote about ongoing coverage issues I was experiencing with SingTel here and here. One would think that of all 3 telecommunications service providers in Singapore, @SingTel being the largest and oldest player in the market would have excellent infrastructure and customer service to boot. Alas, that is found to be untrue.

Posting a feedback on their website in March this year did result in a call-back from the customer service folks 3 days later. I was promised a coverage team would take 6-8 weeks to visit my location and rectify the coverage issue that I have been experiencing since I switched over from StarHub in October 2008. In all honesty, 6-8 weeks is already ridiculous. Yet, I never heard from them since and I decided to call-in again on 7th June.

On that call, the CSO said she was unable to make any assurance on my earlier request and would need to check if the coverage team had visited my location. On hearing that, I requested to speak to a manager. Evidently, she put me through to a ‘Team Leader’ who again said she needed to check with the coverage team. At that moment, I decided I had enough of excuses and lapse of service delivery from SingTel and demanded that my subscription be terminated without penalties and I would port my mobile number to another provider. You probably guessed it. I was told the request would need to be escalated and approval obtain from ‘higher management’.

I was promised a call-back the next day and after that, another call-back and another till I lost track of how many. Not to mention, there was a full week when the ‘Team Leader’ was on ‘medical leave’ and ‘official off-day’ with no one else following up will the promised ‘call-back’. When she finally did call me back a week later, my requests were straight forward and I would go with either 1 of 2 solutions below.

1. SingTel end my mobile contractual agreement with no penalties, I keep my mobile device and port my number to another provider.
2. SingTel end my mobile contractual agreement with no penalties, I return the mobile device and receive a full refund (equipment fee + early upgrade fee)

My request were counter proposed by SingTel on what I would define as unfair and ridiculous terms. I will not go into detail what they came back with but will say the drama carried on for another 17 weeks and having to explain my frustrations on coverage to 3 different SingTel staff members. 2 weeks ago, I finally managed to divorce myself from SingTel and successfully ported my mobile number to M1. I will ignore the service feedback call from a SingTel representative plus SMS text message reminders of an outstanding bill. Clearly, their departments are not talking to each other and that is affecting their service delivery.

Although I did not purchase a new handset, I am contractually obligated to use M1’s services for at least 3 months. I don’t quite understand the rational for that but 3 months isn’t too long. I did feel that should this be the case, perhaps they shouldn’t charge the customer for a new SIM card and activation fees. I was considering StarHub but decided I will try M1’s services since I have not used them for some 14 years. I could always move back to StarHub if things didn’t quite work out on M1’s network.

The good news however is since the switch, my network coverage has been much better and I have not experienced a single drop call since. Neither am I at risk of being charged ‘roaming charges’ because network signals from across the Causeway are much stronger than SingTel’s. I guess I will most likely remain on M1 moving forward. I am not sure if StarHub will be able to provide better coverage at my location but I do note that my mobile broadband service is with StarHub. My device did experience difficulties registering on StarHub’s network when I was at my SOHO location (Marsiling Crescent) one evening. Elsewhere, the device work and was able to register and stay on StarHub’s network fairly well for most parts.

I am not sure if that is an indication that I could possibly experience coverage issues with StarHub Mobile should I decide to switch to them. It will however be good to use StarHub for my mobile needs too since I have MaxOnline, StarHubTV and MaxMobile with them. Another Mobile service will result in some level of discounts on my subscription fees (HubClub). Besides, @StarHubCares is leveraging Facebook and twitter for customer support which is great. Though I noticed their response has slowed down a bit recently.

I do not have another handset which I can use their services on trial. Unless StarHub wants to loan me a similar handset to what I am using now to evaluate their mobile network coverage, I will make do with M1’s Free Calls to 3 M1 Numbers perk. So far, I have nominated 1 number (Dad) and have another 2 to go. Well, not like I call him daily so it doesn’t mean much for now. For now, my mobile coverage woes have been resolved and come to a close.

Maybe I am shallow but I never got around to understanding why the A200 or the 1er. Both German automakers do produce good looking cars that perform respectably. Yet when they both decided that the small / city car market was too attractive to let the Japanese have it all, Mercedes’s efforts to say the least was pretty lame.

The first A-class hatchback was introduced in 1997. At that time, the only folks I saw behind the wheel of one of these were lady drivers. After 13 years and the A-class into it’s 2nd generation W169, the only drivers I see behind the wheels of one of these are still women. I do have to point out that I am seeing less A-class on the roads today compared to 10 years ago. I would ask why is that?

The Mercedes marque is supposed to conjour up some affiliation to status, ride comfort, luxury and engineering marvel. Sadly, the A200 had none of these.

Yes, it has the 3-spokes in a circle but as far as status goes, it looks like a mini-van more than a hatchback. If status to you is shelling out a premium to have your backend squashed in resulting in a higher ride height compared to a 20+ year old W124, then you are thinking along the same lines as the car maker.

Whoever imagined better ride comfort in the A200 is an idiot. It’s a small car for goodness sake. In simple geometry, it will not perform like a S-class but much more like a Honda Jazz for that matter. Having been in a few A160s, I have to admit that the thought of slapping on a few 3-spokes in a circle decals on a Suzuki Liana did cross my mind.

Spec-for-Spec, a Honda Jazz / Fit is less money for the pocket and will most probably give you less problems. Cars like the 1 Series or the A-class are just ways automakers are trying get drivers to pay a premium for everything else you can get in a Japanese alternative. That said, neither the W169 nor the E87 are practical options. There is nothing smart, chic or sexy about the W169. They do make great poser wheels though. If you have to spend more money and a hatchback, you are better off with the VW Polo, Golf, Golf GT Sport or Golf GTI.

Fifth Gear – Mercedes Benz A200 (W169) vs. BMW 1 Series (E87):

[See post to watch Flash video]

So who is catching the FIFA 2010 World Cup here in Singapore, now that both SingTel and StarHub have obtained rights for ‘live’ broadcast of all 64 matches? This news came just last weekend and a month before the games kick-off in South Africa. Are local World Cup fans rejoicing? There is bound to be some who are but as usual, there is a camp who are not entirely satisfied. A few months back, I was even spammed on twitter by @WorldCup4Sg. I am not sure what the goal of the tweet was but now, some fans are complaining that subscription fees to watch all 64 matches are too high.

Comments left by StarHub Fans on Facebook

Such is the sad and unfortunate mentality of my fellow citizens. I post this remark here well knowing that I could most possibly be inviting flaming comments from those who do not agree with me. Still, we all have a right to our opinions whether we agree / disagree with the current circumstances of the ‘live’ broadcast and fees involved.

Not too long ago, when is was disclosed that Singaporeans might be unable to watch ‘live’ broadcast on their television sets during the games, it disappointed many fans. To be perfectly honest, I am not a fan of soccer. Sure, my favourite player till date is Ryan Giggs, the blistering quick left-winger at Manchester United and Wales International. My favourite International team is the Dutch. Whether Giggs still plays for Man Utd or Wales, I am unsure. The players that I vaguely remember playing for the Red Devils have all retired from playing on the field (I think); Cantona, Ince, Keane, Erwin and Bruce. Who is in the current Dutch line-up or if they are in the games for 2010, I am not sure either. That should give you a pretty good idea of how much a ‘fan’ I am.

On Friday, May 7 2010, both SingTel and StarHub called for a press conference just 2 hours after they managed to come to a deal with the game’s governing body to broadcast ‘live’ matches. At the press conference, both providers released subscription fees to catch the 2010 World Cup on television from 11 June – 11 July. Subscribe before 31 May and enjoy an early bird rate of $66. After that, it will cost $88 if you decide that watching the games is more important than anything else. I am not sure what the rates were for the 2006 world cup but according to some fans, it was in the $20+ range. Obvious to say, some fans are now complaining that the latest rates are exorbitant.

World Cup football matches to be shown “live” in Singapore
By Mustafa Shafawi/S Ramesh/Evelyn Choo | Posted: 07 May 2010 1719 hrs

SINGAPORE: It’s official! Football fans in Singapore will be able to catch the 2010 World Cup action ‘live’ on their television screens.

Both SingTel and StarHub have secured non-exclusive rights to broadcast ‘live’ all 64 matches of the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. The good news was delivered by both telcos in their media statements on Friday. The two telcos are offering subscribers early bird World Cup football package priced at S$66 on or before 31 May, after which it will cost S$88.

As for MediaCorp, it said it is finalising arrangements with the two telcos to air four key World Cup matches on free-to-air Channel 5 and HD5. The four matches that will be telecast live with same day encores are: opening match, two semi-finals and finals. Such an arrangement would be subject to FIFA’s approval.

SingTel and StarHub subscribers will get to view the matches on two dedicated World Cup channels. The main World Cup channel, FIFA World Cup Channel 1, will air the ‘live’ telecast of 56 matches, primetime repeats of the matches, delayed telecast of eight simulcast matches, as well as pre- and post-match features and daily match highlights on all platforms. FIFA World Cup Channel 2 will offer the ‘live’ telecast of eight simulcast matches.

StarHub’s Chief Operating Officer Tan Tong Hai said: “We negotiated hard for the World Cup rights for over a year, with the best interest of the nation at heart. We are thrilled to be able to bring viewers in Singapore to the heart of the sporting action in South Africa.”

SingTel’s chief of content and media services, Edward Ying, said that despite the challenging negotiations, “the focus at the heart of it was the football fans in Singapore”.

FIFA director of TV, Niclas Ericson, said that he is pleased at the successful conclusion to the negotiations and that “viewers throughout Singapore will be able to celebrate the best that football has to offer”.

StarHub and SingTel declined to reveal the cost of their separate bids. Asked if the S$66 early-bird price is too high compared to what was charged in the last World Cup, both parties said the price was arrived after doing a market survey. As there are some 64 matches to be aired, this will also will translate to just a dollar per match. “When you say $66 is high, let me just be clear that they pay about a dollar a game to watch in the comfort of their homes. I think it is reasonable. I think they can afford it. It is less than a cup of coffee,” said SingTel’s Edward Ying.

When asked if the delay in negotiations would result in a loss in advertising revenue, resulting in the costs being passed on to consumers, Mr Ying replied: “The answer is obviously ‘no’. We have determined the price, we can’t change tomorrow and charge $100 because we don’t have advertising dollars. “We map out what what we think the market could bear was the best price – a dollar a match is hard for Singaporeans to complain, they can watch it ‘live’ in the comfort of their home. We think that it’s the best price. That’s why we need a lot of subscribers for us to break even.”

On MediaCorp’s intentions to broadcast four matches on free-to-air channels, both telcos said they have no objections. Both are now looking into the due process to help realise this. They said the free-to-air channels would reach out to a bigger audience and this is something to be welcomed. Turning to the fans, are they willing to fork out S$66 to watch the matches?

“Yeah, it’s okay, not too bad. Anything more, I’ll say ‘forget it. Don’t watch it’,” said a fan.

“I’m quite happy with the price. Honestly, even slightly higher, I’ll still pay for it,” said another.

“Well, if soccer is our passion and it’s in the blood, then why not?” said a third.

“I don’t think I’ll be subscribing. If there’s a need, then I’ll just catch the delayed telecast,” said a fourth fan.

- CNA/ir

Is $66 a ridiculous price to watch all 64 matches for the entire 30 days of the games? Well, depends on how we look at it. True, I get HBO, HBO Hits, HBO Family, HBO Signature, MAX and StarMovies on my cable subscription for way less than that. In comparison, it is pricey to catch the World Cup at $66. I am curious to know, how much does an original team jersey from say Manchester United cost these days? Ok, given that it’s not a ‘perishable’ and you can probably wear it for an entire season till you decide to get your hands on their ‘new’ jersey next season. Still, it does cost more than $66 no? How much does it cost you to catch an EPL match at say Harry’s with your mates over the weekend? $20 at least with the finger food and beer? Ok, so maybe you have a big-ass 52″ LED television and you invite your mates over. Now you would still have some food and beer ready for the match wouldn’t you? By the way, how much did that 52″ cost you? Sorry, I am missing the plot here.

Put it this way. I am all for Singaporeans not being pushed around by media providers into paying high subscriptions just to watch cable, stay on the grid with internet and mobile connections. Do I think that subscription rates in Singapore are high compared to countries in the region or those providing similar packages and services? Yes, I do think the prices we pay are somewhat ridiculous. We pay for those because we haven’t got a choice not to. At $66, Singapore is one of the most expensive countries to watch the World Cup. Blame it on commercialisation and profits. Blame it on the fact that FIFA thinks our tiny population of just 4.5 Million is peanuts in terms of advertising. It might be a different story if our population was 450 Million. FIFA might even pay SingTel and StarHub to broadcast the games. I am not saying if that was the case, SingTel or StarHub would pay us to watch the games on television.

To point fingers at the providers and accuse them of ‘indifference’, not ‘caring’ about loyal subscribers and out to wring your wallet is laughable. If you truly feel that we as Singaporeans are paying higher than average subscription rates, I agree. If you want to start point fingers, go on and scream at all the telco, internet, cable and goodness knows what providers. Soccer fans, I may not be able to fully comprehend your anguish. $66 is perhaps pricey compared to my cable subscription. It’s still less than my broadband or mobile subscriptions. At about $1 a match, I am not sure what is the issue here. You will pay for everything else but complain to watch a dollar-match once every 4 years?

Here’s a simple solution for local soccer fans. Subscribe at $66, take leave from work like you always did every 4 years and enjoy the games. You could always go back to work with dark rings like you always did every 4 years. For the guys with that big-ass 52″, make sure your mates bring beer and food if they already aren’t doing so. If they are, charge them $1 to watch the games on your big-ass tv. You might even make a profit after 30 days.

If you have decided not pay the ‘blood-suckers’ a single dime, don’t subscribe. Just catch the Free-to-Air matches on MediaCorp’s Channel 5. Opening, 2 Semi-Finals and Finals are the key matches are they not? It’s not just $66 that soccer fans will save. For some, it might be a lot more from the urge to ‘place bets’ on any / all 64 games. I said my piece so fire away if you have to.

The Ford GT

Taken from Fifth Gear’s 2004 Car of the Year Awards episode in Season 6, bearing striking resemblance to the original GT40, the Ford GT is a supercar built for the daily driver in mind. I wouldn’t mind having and driving into work everyday. Then again, I am probably not the only one.

Fifth Gear: The Legend Lives On – Ford GT

I am not going to say much here except for the fact that this is perhaps one of my favourite episodes from the Fifth Gear series. I have always loved German engineering when it comes to automobiles. Yet, there are a handful of  British makes that would make me turn my head just to take another look at it. The Aston Martin and legendary Land Rover are 2 such examples.

I have always been a fan of the Porsche 911. With its roots dating back to 1964, the original 911 Classic (1963 – 1989) was a replacement to the Porsche 356 (1948 – 1965) and essentially a sporting evolution of the VW Beetle. Except for over 100 different models (Types) and new variants like SC, RS or GT3 being the root of any confusion, the 911 Carrera has managed to retain most of its looks over the last 40 years but continues to evolve in functional design and power.

Porsche 356 Speedster (1954)

Transcending from the 911 Carerra RS to modern-day Types, My favourite and ultimate predecessor of the 911 that will give me a wet dream has to be the 1948 Porsche 356 Speedster.

Porsche 911SC: Slantnose Edition (1978 - 1983)

If I had to settle for an actual 911, it would be the 911SC (Slantnose Edition), the first real cabriolet after the 356. Instantly recognizable by its nose and pop-up headlamps instead of the iconic oval headlamps found in most Porsches, the 911SC is regarded as one of the most reliable Porsche 911s.

Fifth Gear – Evolution more than skin deep: Porsche 911 (Type – 997):

Finally, if all the both can’t be had, then it would have to be the Type 930 (1975-1989) commonly called the Porsche 911 Turbo.  The 911 Turbo was the first production car from Porsche fitted with a turbocharger and eventually succeeded by the 964 after an illustrious Le mans career.

Ever wondered why manufacturers conduct crash tests on their cars at relatively low speed like 40-60 km/h? When you think about it, travelling at twice that speed on the highway isn’t out of the ordinary. So why aren’t manufacturers testing their cars in crash tests at speed of 90-120 km/h?

The SMART Car

Size doesn’t matter in a car-on-car collision. The reason is quite simple really. Assuming if the cars does survive a crash into a brick wall at that speed, it is highly unlikely the passengers will walk away unscathed. Sure we have seen drivers of F1 and NASCAR walk away after crashing at greater speeds. However, those cars aren’t built quite the same as normal passenger cars. The last time I checked, most road going cars do not have a roll-cage. Neither have I seen any tire walls on the highways where I come from. Concrete and metal barriers, yes. Tires, no.

Fifth Gear: Size Does Not Matter

If you are still under the impression that your big old rolling steel cage is going to protect you in a head-on collision against today’s small city cars, think again.

The Ultimate Collection - Carlos Santana

Another one of my favourite tracks, this is Samba Pa Ti by Carlos Santana. This track is from The Ultimate Collection album. You can get this on the Ultimate Santana album too. The original track was encoded in VBR MP3 format. Enjoy!

Ultimate Santana

Here is one of my all time favourites, Europa by Carlos Santana. This track is from his Ultimate Santana Album encoded in VBR MP3 format. Enjoy!

Now Playing: Europa (Ultimate Santana) [Carlos Santana]

Which would you choose?

• petrol powered for a smoother ride but more costly by the litre
• diesel powered for cheaper fuel but noisier engine
• hybrid powered for looking green and savings but drive like a snail

With most passenger cars today still running on petrol and fuel prices continuing to climb upwards, getting a car that runs on alternative fuels would not help you save money per say but could minimise the losses over the years.

Petrol, Diesel or Hybrid?

We have all heard of some new technology at one time or another about some environment-friendly fuel alternatives. Hydrogen and electric cars at first look seems like to best yet till date. However, with the slow adoption rates possibly due to the lack of infrastructure to support these advances, the cost of producing such vehicle remains extremely high, or that is what manufacturers are telling us. Although there are other technologies using alcohol, bio-ethanol and such as alternative fuel sources, petrol and diesel has been around for the longest time and will probably continue to be.

Until recently, we saw the introduction of the hybrids which are still limited to the few models to choose from. Of course there is the LPG / CNG conversion that is available to most existing vehicles today. If you do not mind giving up precious boot space, spending 15-30 minutes just to bloat your tank with gas, you might even get a ‘green’ of ‘eco-friendly’ rebate for switching to LPG / CNG.

Since running on petroleum gas or natural gas is easily achievable via a conversion, let’s ignore that for a bit and focus on non-convertibles. Meaning your petrols, diesels and hybrids. If I hadn’t known better, I would tell you to pick the petrol if you are going to be doing a lot of high way cruising. The 4-strokes usually mean better fuel efficiency and less ‘knocking’.

Pick the hybrid if all you do is mow around town and making trips between home and the local grocery store cos highways just freak you out. Running on pure electric power at under 50km/h, you can tell the world that you are a real tree-hugger and literally drive for free. Without noise emitted from moving engine parts or combustion, the hybrid make good stakeout cars and are great for sneaking up on grandma. Only choose the diesel for the dumbest reasons, i.e. noisy, smelly, black smoke and rough rides…

Fifth Gear: Petrol, Diesel or Hybrid:

With the number of new diesels available today, perhaps it’s time to rethink the notion that diesels are noisy, smelly and bad on emissions? European cars manufacturers are building lower emission diesel @99g/km and to fit into tax incentive brackets, it’s no wonder cars like the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion make sense when out and buying a new car. Perhaps not by accident, the VW Polo was voted European  Car of The Year – 2010.

So why aren’t diesels gaining traction on our shores? Until the Singapore government decides that new diesels (Euro IV onwards) in the passenger car category deserves tax incentives different from their petrol counterparts, it will not be making much sense here. You are better off driving your petrol. Manufacturers aren’t exactly selling their diesel any cheaper either. If only manufacturers and governments can get their act together, by providing better rebates and lower car prices. Until the average driver sees any substantial incentives to switch to a diesel, petrols will be around for a long time.