StarHub launches WeChat plans for prepaid users

StarHub has launched a new data plan to get prepaid users currently not using 3G data to try out the service as well as give existing prepaid data users more choices. -- FILE PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
StarHub has launched a new data plan to get prepaid users currently not using 3G data to try out the service as well as give existing prepaid data users more choices. -- FILE PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

StarHub has launched a new data plan to get prepaid users currently not using 3G data to try out the service as well as give existing prepaid data users more choices.

The telco has teamed up withsocial messaging service WeChat, developed by China-based Tencent Holdings, to allow its prepaid customers to chat all they want for 40 cents a day or $6 a month. Data usage is capped at 1GB a day on the WeChat app, which lets users send text messages, share photos and share animated "stickers". WeChat users can also press a button to speak to a group of friends - "walkie-talkie" style.

Prior to this launch, StarHub only had prepaid data plans that cover both Web surfing and any social messaging service use at a flat rate. For instance, its 30-day plan costs $20 a month, with Internet surfing data usage capped at 1GB a month. The cheapest plan costs $2 valid for three days with data use capped at 30MB.

Three months ago, SingTel announced a similar partnership with California-based WhatsApp, offering all-you-can-chat service on the messaging platform for $6 a month. Data usage is also capped at 1GB a day on the WhatsApp app.

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