5 ways to catch the World Cup without forking out to the telcos
Let's hope you don't have to resort to organizing your own World Cup here.
The costs have so ruffled John Chua that he started a Facebook fanpage called Mass Boycott Starhub/Singtel Overpriced World Cup Package. As of this writing, the group boasts over 27,000 members, and there was a weekend rally planned over the weekend at Hong Lim Square.
According to Chua, "People have their own reasons for saying 'no.' Some are unhappy about lack of accountability about the principle behind it all, some disliked the poor handling and attitude of broadcast providers; some had pent-up frustrations that accumulated through years of silence with organizations that seemed to have taken us for granted; and others had issues with Singtel's obnoxious overbidding for British Premier League rights to force entry into the cable TV market.”
So, being the ingenious Singaporeans that we are, we’ve looked and found five ways to watch the FIFA 2010 World Cup without giving money to the Telcos.
Watch at your nearest pub, McDonalds, or community center
Nothing beats a concerted yowl of "GOOOOALLLLL!” It’s joy building, smooths differences, and unites people.
It could be a beer-fueled night out at a pub:
- Wala Wala, 31 Lorong Mambong Singapore, tel: +65 6733 9400. www.imaginings.com.sg
- Harry’s @ Chijmes, #B1-06, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore. tel: +65 6334 9150. www.harrys.com.sg
- The Penny Black, 26/27 Boat Quay Singapore. tel: + 65 6538 2300. www.pennyblack.com.sg
For family-friendly World Cup match watching, head to one of the 36 McDonald’s with TV screenings, or one of the 16 community centers in Singapore’s heartlands.
Cost: One beer or McFlurry all night long.
Buy an indoor antenna
Some parts of Singapore (particularly in the south and east) can receive Indonesian and Malaysian free-to-air channels RCTI, and RTM1. An indoor antenna will help to get clearer signal reception. Since it’s likely that match commentary will be in Malay, you should pick up the language to enjoy the matches.
Costs: S$20 to S$30 (available from Sim Lim Square, Funan Centre, or Mustafa Centre)
Boost our neighbors' economies
Take that overdue getaway to our neighboring countries. Paying the telcos might be cheaper, but getting away from it all to recharge, explore, but most of all, watch and root for your World Cup team? Now that’s priceless.
Getaway ideas:
- Cycle to Desaru for sun, sand, sea, and World Cup matches.
- Batam for seafood dinners with football.
- Hole up in a Bali spa resort.
Costs: S$50 to S$450 (depending on how extravagant you're feeling)
Home getaways
If leaving Singapore’s shores isn’t an option, head to the Beerfest Asia 2010 (Jun 16-20; Tickets cost: S$10 to S$90) where they’ll be screening World Cup matches in a special tent. Plus point: it stocks 250 brands of beers from around the world. Or pop over to Sentosa for the Singapore World Cup Festival 2010 (Jun 26 to Jul 12, tickets at S$68) where they’ll be screening the tournament’s knockout stages with entertainment by live bands and Zouk.
Costs: S$10 to S$90
Watch it Online
The Internet can really be a godsend sometimes. Case in point: people turn to video streaming sites to get their latest drama or sports fix. Rights for broadcasting the World Cup are very tightly controlled, so check with your ISP and local providers for official streams. As with all things online, the quality of streamed videos depends on your available bandwidth.
Costs: Your Internet bills
