One of the most frustrating things about traveling is trying to stay connected. For years I’ve had T-Mobile One phone service which offers free international cell data. However, there have been a few times where I’ve arrived in a new country only to find out that T-Mobile doesn’t offer free data there. The other alternative with other carriers is to pay international roaming fees. These fees often cost much more than it would do simply buy an international SIM card abroad.
Don’t get me wrong, over the years, international roaming has improved dramatically. Services like Google Fi make it incredibly easy to get cell data when traveling. Even so, a lot of these international roaming programs don’t allow you to use your phone as a WiFi hotspot. So, while you may have data on you phone, you might not have data on a laptop, etc.
Well, it seems Singapore Airlines is addressing this constant struggle for international data. Ok, I’m being a bit dramatic. But still, Singapore Airlines is now doing something pretty cool to try to help keep international travelers connected. That is, Singapore Airlines now offers complimentary WiFi hotspots for you to use when staying in Singapore.
Singapore Airlines’ Complimentary WiFi Hotspots For International Visitors
According to Singapore Airlines’ website, international visitors can now pickup a free 3D2N WiFi hotspot when staying in Singapore. Now, you must be traveling with Singapore Airlines or SilkAir to have access to one of these hotspots.
Per Singapore Airlines’ website, the WiFi hotspot divice is from DataPro Technologies and comes with 2GB of free data while staying in Singapore.
Basically, if you are over the age of 16, visiting Singapore, and flying with Singapore Airlines or SilkAir you are eligible for a complimentary WiFi hotspot. According to the website, Singapore Airlines will offer these hotspots from now until October 14, 2020. At this time it is unclear if Singapore Airlines will extend this program beyond that date.
To take advantage of this program you can either pick up a hotspot when you arrive (while supplies last) or pre-book a WiFi hotspot. Based on everything outlined by Singapore Airlines, pre-booking is probably your best option. It remains unclear how many of these devices are available.
Whatever option you go with, you can pick up your hotspot at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel. Once you pick up your hotspot you will have up to 2GB of free 4G LTE data. The hotspot supports up to 5 connected devices and has a stated battery life of 12 hours. Lastly, if you fail to return the device to the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel prior to your departure you will be charged a late fee or a non-return/loss fee.
How To Reserve A Singapore Airlines Complimentary WiFi Hotspot?
If you want to pre-book a WiFi hotspot (recommended) you can do so here. On this very colorful site there is a “reserve now” button which takes you to a contact form to fill out before your arrival. When pre-booking a WiFi hotspot you must provide your name and your Singapore Airlines or SilkAir booking reference.
When reserving your hotspot you will be asked for a credit/debit card number. Keep in mind, when you provide a payment method you are also authorizing DataPro Technologies to charge you for any additional usage, late fees, or non-return/loss fees. Additionally, DataPro will put a SGD200 hold on your card for non-return or loss fees.
Your payment method is then also on file in the event you wish to upgrade your data plan add more data or extend your stay (up to 7 days). Upgrading costs just SGD12 (~$9) and then allows you to use up to 50 GB of data during your stay. That is a huge jump up from the 2GB offered from the free rental. That’s also much cheaper than some mobile providers charge for international day passes.
Final Thoughts
Personally I think this is a fantastic idea for anyone visiting Singapore. However, if you plan on doing this I’d almost always recommend upgrading to the 50GB plan. I think the average person would burn through 2GB of data rather quickly, especially when trying to upload to Instagram…
I would love to see other countries/airlines offer similar programs. There are several hotels around the world that offer complimentary WiFi hotspots during your stay, but those tend to be a bit expensive. The fact that Singapore and Singapore Airlines are offering complimentary WiFi hotspots to all visitors regardless of cabin class, etc. is impressive.
However, I do have two very small concerns. First, I’m not sure that the average personally really needs a personal hotspot. I’ve never been to Singapore, but I imagine there’s loads of free public WiFi throughout the city. Nowadays malls, hotels, coffee shops, etc. all offer free WiFi. So, for the average traveler, I bet you could easily remain connected during your stay. Secondly, I am very nervous about how many of these hotspots are being offered. In several places when reading about the program I noticed text which stated “while supplies lasts.” Either DataPro expects a TON of people to take advantage of this program or they aren’t actually offering that many units. I suspect it’s the latter.
Either way, this is a great idea and one that I’d like to see more airlines offer. Heck, how nice would it be if you could add one of these to your fare like a checked bag!
Featured Image Courtesy of Datapro Technologies Pte Ltd.
