StarHub takes full control of MyRepublic Broadband in S$105.2 million deal

StarHub announced on 12 August 2025 that it has acquired the remaining 49.9 per cent of MyRepublic Broadband, taking full ownership of the business in Singapore.

The S$105.2 million (US$77.4 million) transaction comprises S$94.3 million for shares and S$10.9 million for operational assets, according to a filing with the Singapore Exchange (SGX). The acquisition includes the MyRepublic brand and key broadband-related assets and operations in Singapore, consolidating StarHub’s position in the domestic broadband market.

In its statement, StarHub said the acquisition reinforces its multi-brand, multi-segment approach, enabling greater flexibility in targeting different customer groups. The company said full control will allow it to deliver better service differentiation and cross-product bundling for broadband, mobile, and entertainment customers.

Chief executive Nikhil Eapen described the move as “an acceleration” rather than merely an acquisition, stating that it builds upon a “strong foundation for growth”. He said the company will now be able to “move faster, go further, and serve customers with greater clarity and care”.

Eapen added that Singapore’s broadband market is undergoing consolidation, where scale, quality, and resilience are becoming critical success factors. “Smaller players without robust platforms may struggle to sustain operations,” he said, noting that the acquisition positions StarHub to offer more reliable and consistent services.

The deal comes amid broader consolidation within Singapore’s telecommunications sector. On 11 August 2025, Keppel Corporation announced its decision to sell M1’s telecom operations to Simba Telecom for an enterprise value of S$1.43 billion (US$1.11 billion).

Industry observers have noted that such developments reflect increasing competitive pressure and the need for scale to remain profitable in a mature and price-sensitive market. Broadband and mobile operators in Singapore have been seeking ways to improve operational efficiency and customer retention through mergers, acquisitions, and brand diversification.

According to analysts, StarHub’s decision to bring MyRepublic Broadband fully under its ownership could streamline operations and reduce duplicated costs. It also allows StarHub to unify customer service standards and technology infrastructure across its various brands.

StarHub first acquired a 50.1 per cent stake in MyRepublic Broadband in 2022, after receiving approval from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). That deal gave StarHub management control and operational influence while allowing MyRepublic to retain its brand and customer base.

The latest purchase of the remaining 49.9 per cent stake marks the completion of StarHub’s gradual integration of MyRepublic Broadband into its portfolio. The company said the transaction would not disrupt existing services for customers, who can continue to access the MyRepublic brand as usual.

Eapen emphasised that the MyRepublic brand will continue to play a strategic role within StarHub’s consumer offerings. “The strength of MyRepublic lies in its digital-first approach and its loyal customer base. We aim to preserve and build on that,” he said.

Industry analysts suggest that full control of MyRepublic Broadband allows StarHub to better align its broadband operations with its mobile and enterprise services. By owning multiple brands, StarHub can cater to different customer segments — from value-conscious households to premium users seeking high-performance connectivity.

The move also aligns with StarHub’s “DARE+” transformation strategy, which focuses on digitalisation, agility, and ecosystem expansion. Under this initiative, the company has been investing in technology integration and customer experience enhancement.

Analysts note that this acquisition could enable StarHub to achieve greater economies of scale in network maintenance, marketing, and customer service. Furthermore, as Singapore’s broadband penetration nears saturation, bundling services under multiple brands may provide a competitive edge.

Singapore’s broadband market remains one of the most advanced and competitive globally. According to data from the Infocomm Media Development Authority, household broadband penetration exceeds 100 per cent, meaning most homes maintain at least one high-speed broadband connection.

Operators compete largely on price, service reliability, and brand differentiation. Over the past decade, smaller broadband providers such as MyRepublic, ViewQwest, and WhizComms have gained traction by offering no-contract plans and customer-friendly policies.

However, growing infrastructure costs, regulatory compliance requirements, and limited room for expansion have made it challenging for smaller players to sustain profitability. The acquisition of MyRepublic Broadband by StarHub underscores the increasing importance of scale and integration in ensuring long-term viability.

The back-to-back announcements by Keppel and StarHub suggest a continuing shift in Singapore’s telecommunications industry, where companies are consolidating to optimise operations and strengthen balance sheets.

Observers predict that more mergers and partnerships could follow as the industry prepares for next-generation technologies such as 10Gbps broadband and 5G network convergence.

While the financial terms of the StarHub-MyRepublic deal are smaller compared with the Keppel-Simba transaction, the strategic impact could be significant. Full ownership enables StarHub to integrate MyRepublic’s operations seamlessly, consolidate back-end systems, and optimise customer experience across both brands.

StarHub said it will focus on maintaining service reliability and exploring new broadband products under both the StarHub and MyRepublic brands. It plans to leverage the combined strengths of both entities to introduce more flexible, digital-centric offerings.

Eapen added that the company’s long-term goal is to enhance customer satisfaction through innovation and agility. “We are building not just for today’s connectivity, but for tomorrow’s possibilities,” he said.

Analysts expect the full integration process to continue over the next year, with minimal disruption to existing services. Customers of both brands are unlikely to experience immediate changes, though they may benefit from enhanced service features and improved network performance.