Regular Net access costs a fraction of that. Since Singapore deregulated normal Web service, outfits such as Pacific Internet and Star Hub have been offering free dial-up access. That's an especially good deal considering that the content on Singapore ONE isn't much better. Big developers such as Sun Hung Kai Properties also plan to supply high-speed service, while budding Net power Pacific Century CyberWorks aims to offer broadband via satellite. Cable-TV company SCV, which plans to launch its broadband service soon, expects to have only 20,000 users by yearend.
Programming is another problem.
Many industry executives say Singapore ONE's news shows, music videos, and restaurant ads aren't compelling. And because of the limited broadband audience, few content providers are racing to produce more interesting fare. There are signs the government is starting to get the message. To make the service more appealing, it is considering opening broadband to new players by this summer. Ng Kin Yee.