StarHub: Deal enables more value creation

They worry that 'no throttling' promise will not be kept after sale of business to StarHub

- Sarah Koh and Koh Ming Lun

Some MyRepublic customers have voiced concerns over a possible change in service quality following the complete takeover of its broadband business by StarHub.

Since its launch in 2011, MyRepublic has cosied up to users by promising no throttling or the imposition of speed limits on international downloads. Without network throttling, users experience little lag in surfing, gaming and video streaming.

Now, loyal customers are worried that the days of no throttling will be numbered under StarHub.

StarHub, which had already held a 50.1 per cent stake in MyRepublic Broadband since 2022, acquired the remaining 49.9 per cent share on Aug 12.

"I hope the acquisition does not change the current set-up of no throttling, or cause a price increase," said 33-year-old Chia Ying Ying, who works as a manager in a university.

She switched from StarHub to MyRepublic in late 2024.

"I will not hesitate to switch to other providers if MyRepublic is no longer appealing to me," said Ms Chia, who is currently paying $57 a month for a 3Gbps MyRepublic plan.

An avid gamer, Mr Phua K., 35, said he chose to buy from MyRepublic largely due to its no-throttling feature, which reduces surfing lag, and value-for-money packages.

"I'm currently very satisfied as a MyRepublic customer," said the IT engineer, who is unsure if he will feel the same way going forward.