February 6th, 2009 — Inbox
In the previous post, we noted that the HTC Dream would finally be making its way to Singapore. In an exclusive deal with HTC, SingTel happens to be the only telco in the region to bring in the Dream, similar to what happened with the iPhone 3G. And since SingTel also happens to own Australian telco Optus, the HTC Dream’ll also be made available there as well.

A tipster alerted us to the Optus website already showing a product page for the HTC Dream, along with corresponding price plans, though actual availability is yet unknown. Unfortunately though, Singaporeans are out of luck, as the only reference to the Dream we could find at this point was the press release. On the other hand though, our sources say that SingTel price plans for the HTC Dream should be made available within the next couple of weeks, probably before the end of February.
As for the other Singapore telcos (M1 and StarHub), much like what happened with the iPhone 3G, it’s probably a long shot that the HTC Dream will be made available to either one. Then again, if you really can’t wait, enterprising individuals are already selling the HTC Dream, albeit badged as the T-Mobile G1. Online retailer Expansys Singapore for example, lists the T-Mobile G1 as being available for a cool S$1349.
Alternatively, you can always pick up an Android developer unlocked device, the Android Dev Phone 1. Dev Phones are fully unlocked, letting you use any SIM card in the device, as well as being able to flash custom Andriod builds that work with the unlocked bootloader, which doesn’t enforce signed system images. The device goes for US$399, with free shipping in the United States, but is also available in 18 other countries including Singapore, though shipping charges apply. Also, you’ll need to sign up as an Android developer for a small fee before you can buy a Dev Phone.
February 5th, 2009 — Inbox

Took HTC long enough, but the HTC Dream (made famous as the T-Mobile G1 in the United States) is now finally available in Singapore, thanks to the chaps at SingTel. Now, not only does the biggest telco in Singapore have the Apple iPhone 3G, but now they’re also the first operator in Asia to bring their customers an Android-powered handset. While parallel imported units of the HTC Dream have already been floating around thaks to enterprising individuals looking to make a quick buck, here’s your chance to pick one up for less money, along with a contract. Not only that, Optus Australia (also owned by SingTel), will be also be carrying the HTC Dream.
As for how much the HTC Dream will cost you in this part of the world, we’re still waiting on an official announcement from SingTel.
Check out the full press release after the break.
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November 8th, 2008 — Soapbox

Singaporeans awaiting for an alternative to SingTel’s iPhone price plans might have to wait a while longer, as StarHub announced that they would not be bringing in the iPhone 3G anytime this year.
Basically, the decision not to bring in Apple’s latest in mobile communication is a combination of Apple’s differing priorities towards signing on distributors for the iPhone 3G, as well as the current doom and gloom surrounding the world economy.
Similarly, MobileOne also showed no sign of bringing the iPhone 3G in, contrary to popular word when SIngTel announced that they’d secured first mover rights in bringing the iPhone to Singapore shores. Obviously, this leaves SingTel as the sole distributor of the iPhone 3G here in Singapore.
On the other hand though, another reason why StarHub decided as such could be that Apple’d cut production orders for the iPhone 3G by as much as 40% in the fourth calendar quarter of the year, despite having sold as many as 6.9 million units in the third quarter alone. Some are pointing to that as Apple simply working through existing inventory in light of weakened tech spending worldwide.
Whatever the real reason, this much is clear: Singaporean consumers are stuck with the expensive iPhone 3G contracts/price plans for the time being, with no competing offerings in sight.
Wishful thinking-cap on, might it be that Apple’s simply prepping the market for a 32GB iPhone in time for the upcoming MacWorld expo in early 2009?