GadgetDotRed

Launch Event :

Singtel finally launched the iPhone 3G at midnight, August 22nd (as predicted) with much fanfare, putting up a good attempt in comparison to worldwide launches. Crowds started packing Singtel’s Comcenter with the first in line at noon. Local IT enthusiasts has noticed Singtel building a “cube like” structure, akin to Apple’s famous Fifth Avenue Store design, albeit much smaller.

The crowd control was very well done, almost to the point of being too extreme with batches led from one waiting area to another as the night progressed. Customers were treated to live music, blasting music as well as free drinks and snacks provided by various sponsors. Also present were a host of foreign and local media as well. The launch itself was brought to a climax with a textbook countdown and fireworks as the first in line made his way into the “Singtel Cube” amid staff applause (lifted from Apple’s textbook) and cheers, as the next 50 were ushered in. (50 slots were set up inside the miniature 2 storey cube)

Activation did take a while as the customer service personnel were new and hired specifically for the iPhone 3G lanuch. The person attending to me did not know that the sim card should be placed without the plastic which came as a place holder, nor did she know where the sim card removal tool was in the package. But in hindsight, the staff were extremely helpful and courteous; it was obvious that effort was put into customer satisfaction.

Afterthoughts :

Overall, the atmosphere was very carnival like and crowd control was well done (not that singapore has crowd issues). I will end this post with some tips for fellow iPhone 3G users in Singapore.

1. APN Issues

3G Data users, if  your APN settings were not set properly, you can set them up yourself using the information on the screenshot above, found in the iPhone’s Settings –> General –> Network –> Cellular Data Network

2. Data Usage Record

Singtel’s Data Usage Record Page might report your information as invalid, this is because it takes up to 3 days for new Braoadband on Mobile customers’ details to be available in the online system. (Information from Singtel Mobile Hotline)

3. Visual Voicemail

Currently there is no suport for the “Visual Voicemail” feature in Singapore. The “Voicemail” button will redirect you to Singtel’s voicemail number.

4. iTunes Store

As Singapore does not have an iTunes store, users with a US iTunes Account can get your iPhone to connect to the US iTunes Store after your first sync with your PC.

5. Data Plan Importance

Getting an iPhone without a Data Plan has its dangers. Full Article Here (courtesy of MacRyu!)

6. FAQ

Lastly, Singtel has put up a FAQ which answers the most common iPhone 3G questions.