StarHub Unveils Prepaid Cable TV Service

August 29, 2006 World Screen

SINGAPORE, August 29: Singaporean cable-TV platform StarHub
is launching a service that allows non-subscribers to pre-pay for access to
various channels for a certain amount of time.

FlexiWatch launches August 31 and, according to StarHub, is
aimed at those customers who are “frequent travelers or working adults who are
only at home during weekends, as well as individuals who wish to enjoy
StarHub’s cable TV services but prefer not to be under a monthly payment
scheme.”

Customers can buy a FlexiWatch set-top box, priced at S$30 ($19) and a FlexiPack, a special package of channels.

“Our customers are right at the heart of our business, and
we are constantly exploring ways to offer them more control, choice and
flexibility by introducing new content and innovative applications and
services,” said Patrick Lim, StarHub’s VP for cable TV services. “New offerings
such as Smart TV1 [a DVR service] have empowered them to “time shift” and gain
control over when TV programs are viewed… Now with FlexiWatch, viewers who have yet to subscribe to our cable TV
service will be given the option to enjoy myriad world-class channels on a
flexible pay-per-use basis.”

He continued, “Based on the success of FlexiSurf for our broadband services, it is clear that the
lifestyles of some customers make them more receptive to buying services on a
pay- per-use basis. Viewers who have been deliberating on whether to sign up
for a monthly cable TV subscription, and yet keen to sample what StarHub
Digital Cable has to offer, will certainly find FlexiWatch to be an attractive proposition.”

The Chinese World II FlexiPack offered by StarHub is priced at S$3.30 a day and comprises 12 channels
from StarHub Digital Cable’s Chinese Entertainment, Chinese Infotainment and
Kids Basic Groups, as well as Chinese drama and movie channels, including VV
Drama, Star Chinese Movies and Celestial Movies. Customers may purchase this
FlexiPack from a minimum of three consecutive days, to a maximum of 25
consecutive days.