ViewQwest launches XGS-PON 10Gbps broadband in Singapore
How the challenger is doing 10Gbps differently from the rest.
ViewQwest today launched its XGS-PON-powered 10Gbps broadband in Singapore. Here's what they told me.
I wasn't in town for the media event, but CEO Vignesa Moorthy was kind enough to brief me beforehand.
In a nutshell, the new "ViewQwest X" plans are 3Gbps, 5Gbps, and 10Gbps.
The big upgrade
Sharp-eyed readers would have noticed that ViewQwest first launched a 10Gbps offering in 2016. Based on metro Ethernet tech, it was pricey: SG$218 per month.
The firm insists that its earlier offering remains available. But the new ViewQwest X plans will probably make more sense cost-wise for the rest of us, thanks to XGS-PON.
Though ViewQwest might be behind Team Red and Team Green in rolling out XGS-PON, it is going all in. Vignesa tells me that ViewQwest will no longer operate its old GPON network after 15 July.
To be clear, existing customers can keep their current 1Gbps or 2Gbps plans, since XGS-PON is backwards compatible with GPON. The old plans will no longer be sold though.
Your network, your way
Why should a customer choose ViewQwest, given its smaller market share?
When I asked, I was told:
- Strong peering to > 1,000 networks.
- Fewer fibre splits; unlike incumbent telcos.
- Various value-added services like Freedom DNS.
In our call, Vignesa also spoke of his firm's "poke the tiger in the eye" challenger mindset.
With ViewQwest X, power users can now opt for a 10Gbps SFP+ module and do away with the need for a fibre modem - you'll need an enterprise-level router with an available SFP+ slot.
Vignesa: "I am a big supporter of allowing users to do what they want [with their networks]."
The new plans
For convenience, below are the effective monthly rate and post-contract monthly rate assuming a 24-month contract:
- 3 Gbps: Effective rate: $34.98. (Post-contract: $44.98)
- 5 Gbps: Effective rate: $46.99. (Post-contract: $56.99)
- 10 Gbps: Effective rate: $58.98. (Post-contract: $68.98)
Those still in a contract (of more than 3 months*) can pay a monthly top-up to boost their speeds.
- 3 Gbps: +$3.27/month.
- 5 Gbps: +$6.54/month.
- 10 Gbps: +$13.08/month.
ViewQwest will courier a new fibre modem to existing users who upgrade.
*Customers with 3 months or less can re-contract for 24 months without penalty.
Tie-up with Amazon
Finally, ViewQwest has also teamed up with Amazon to offer the top-end Eero Max 7 (Wi-Fi 7) and Eero Pro Ee (Wi-Fi 6E) mesh routers.
Customers looking to upgrade their home Wi-Fi setup can sign up for ViewQwest plans bundled with Eero devices.
What's your home broadband plan? Do you plan to upgrade soon?
