This was supposed to be my first blog post on this blog. I am impressed with how Cable TV service providers work in Singapore. Honestly, I must admit that I was very confused at the schemes and discounts when they first presented it to me. Back home in India, I had to pay for the set top box and installation at the beginning and then a monthly subscription for the channels subscribed. I could cancel or add on channels at free will, and no one questioned or penalized me.
At Singapore, Cable TV is on ‘contract’. When you sign up with a service provider, then you have given your word that you will be with them for a minimum of two years. If you break your contract, God forbid, then there is a penalty. You have to choose four basic groups of channels, suitably grouped under categories like World News, Entertainment, Kids and Education. Other channels from groups like Sports,Cricket (there are four channels under this), Horse racing, Asia (where Indian Channels are listed), Movies and International are add on. Further options allow you to choose channels individually or as a group. Further there is an option of choosing High definition versions of some channels, at an extra cost. The free to air channels are few and are mostly in the local language.
The discounts are worked based on the number of add on channels you sign up for. There are further discounts that are worked into your subscription based on promotions for that month.
The best thing about my Hub station (the set top box) is it allows me to record programs for about 160 hours. I have recorded movies that I have been wanting to watch twice over and those that are aired at wee hours of the morning.
This is not all. The service provider for Cable TV also provides value added services like home phones, internet wifi and cellphone connections. It becomes like a one stop shop for all your needs. Can you imagine your cable service provider in India, doubling up as someone who can also explain what cellphone plan will work for you? Or what broadband solution will work for you? See? Now you know why this is so exciting!
At the end of the two and a half hour visit, the representatives of Star Hub gave me the service agreement papers. I will list them out for you to appreciate how thorough they were at their job. There was a Service agreement for internet,one for the digital home line,Penalty form for early termination of internet services, service agreement for Cable tv, a discount form for add on channels, penalty form for early termination of cable TV, application form for mobile postpaid service and a delivery order form for cellphone. In all a total of eight forms.
It did need a lot of patience and understanding from both parties to get cable TV signed up and kick started.
Life at Singapore 
When is the next update? 😉