Local telcos bring reinforcements to customers in the fight against Covid-19

Even if Covid-19 is not here to stay, the cascading effects of the global pandemic had pronounced repercussions on businesses and consumers.

The Singapore Government, for instance, has put out a second supplementary package for the economy recently, and it's worth 7.5 times of last month's package.

Everybody, from entire industry sectors to the individual gig worker, could always use a little more help.

As the world contemplates over itself on adjusting towards what could be a new normal, consumers and businesses still need to find ways to pay their bills and cover the basics.

Some businesses are using what power they have to help reinforce the broader populace in combatting Covid-19.

For instance, Razer will donate up to 1 million face masks to local authorities, while Grab launched GrabCare for registered healthcare professionals who struggled to find transport between their shifts.

These gestures are kind and much needed, but the coronavirus is without mercy as the fight wears on.

With all businesses and breadwinners figuring their way around the virus, these gestures - big or small - will feel like a much-needed health potion to a low-health ally.

It heartens us to see how our local telcos are putting together practical ways to support consumers and businesses here, so we've put together a piece that summarises how they are doing their part for their customers.

StarHub

As one of the first local telcos to make a move against Covid-19, StarHub put forth several measures in February and March for its customer base, with tailored support for both enterprise and consumer subscribers.

In Feb 2020, small-to-medium business (SMB) customers of StarHub can sign up for a free remote working subscription that helps them receive landline calls on their mobile phones.

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The service, called SmartUC Mobile, is an app that can be installed on laptops and smartphones. Voicemail messages are sent directly to their preferred email inboxes.

This gesture of goodwill is available to their SMB customers until 1 September 2020. You can read more about this good news here.

Additional help for businesses also includes 70 per cent off unlimited Business Wireless Broadband, among other free trials and connectivity provisions.

Consumers on regular StarHub plans are also in.

StarHub continued with a second salvo of support, this time to healthcare professionals on their Corporate Individual Scheme (CIS).

They will receive six months of unlimited local talk time from 1 April 2020, and they've already started on offering $200 off selected phone models for their two-year plans to healthcare workers.

For those stuck at home, StarHub is offering a free preview of 10 channels on the StarHub Go OTT streaming app across a mix of content types.

Data-free streaming is also up for StarHub Mobile postpaid customers. This will last until 24 April 2020. More information on these gestures here.

Singtel

Singtel announced yesterday that they are raising $2 million in a bid to provide financial support for impact communities, such as vulnerable groups, frontline healthcare workers, and volunteers.

More specifically, the Singtel Touching Lives philanthropy programme will channel funds to 18 charities and social enterprises, such as The Courage Fund ($500,000) and various healthcare groups ($600,000).

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The money comes from the salaries of Singtel's management committee, and voluntary contributions from Singtel's directors and staff.

For consumers and SME customers come 1 April 2020, Singtel put together a care package of free services.

On the business side, SMEs implementing Work From Home (WFH) plans, remote working, or split team arrangements will get six months of free usage across their productivity, collaboration, and security tools.

The Singtel-owned 99sme.sg now provides free access to SMEs that use Singtel services, providing them with a much-needed digital marketplace and platform for business to carry on.

For consumers on Singtel, all residents are to get three months of free access to Singtel Cast streaming app's content, which includes channels like Discovery, Asian Food Network, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Customers with Singtel TV will get free access to 30 channels, such as AXN, CNBC, Discovery Asia, and KBS World on Singtel TV and Singtel TV GO.

Separately, Singtel mobile customers will get data-free messaging on WhatsApp between 8 April to 7 July 2020.

New and existing prepaid customers who top-up funds using Hi!App (iOS, Android) get free 30-days Covid-19 insurance coverage, offered by NTUC Income.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.

This article was first published in Hardware Zone.