StarHub will acquire MyRepublic’s mobile business in a move that will further consolidate Singapore’s fragmented telco market while preserving MyRepublic Mobile as a separate consumer brand.
The deal follows an earlier agreement to move MyRepublic’s 4G customers from M1’s network to StarHub’s. Customers will retain their existing plans and services, while MyRepublic Mobile will continue operating under its current brand and proposition.
“Our acquisition of MyRepublic Mobile completes a multi-year journey that began with our investment in MyRepublic Broadband in 2021, culminating in full ownership of MyRepublic across both broadband and mobile,” said Nikhil Eapen, Chief Executive Officer of StarHub.
“MyRepublic Mobile is a strong fit with our multi-brand, multi-segment strategy. Different customers want different things from their mobile experience, and our approach allows us to offer distinct brands and propositions while giving more customers access to the strength of StarHub’s network,” said Matt Williams, Chief Executive Officer-designate of StarHub.
StarHub will own both MyRepublic’s broadband and mobile businesses after completing the deal. It acquired MyRepublic’s broadband business in August, extending a relationship that began with an investment in the broadband provider in 2021.
Vaughan Baker, Group Chief Executive Officer of MyRepublic, assured customers of service continuity. “Customers will remain on the same plans and services they have today, without disruption, while continuing to benefit from StarHub’s safe, reliable and extensive network.”
The acquisition gives StarHub additional subscribers and revenue, but its broader significance lies in the continued reshaping of Singapore’s mobile market. Smaller virtual operators face intense price competition and limited scale, while larger telcos seek greater customer density to support network investment.
For Singapore’s telco market, the deal points to a model in which fewer network owners support a wider range of consumer brands. This could improve operating scale and network economics, but the effect on prices and competition will depend on whether the remaining brands continue to offer genuinely distinct plans and services.
