An Introduction to Singapore Phonecards
Trials
Singapore first issued phonecards on 26th September 1985. These were just early
trial runs of Japanese Anritsu cards used on 47 phones at various location over a period
of one year. There was a first issue of 3 cards, $2, $5 and $10. Subsequently
denominations of $20 and $50 were issued. A second trial of $5, $10, $20, $50 cards were
issued on 1987. These cards are similar in design but has a notch on the right side. These
trail cards are very rare now and difficult to find. Click here to see an example.
Magnetic cards by GPT
Since 19th January 1989, Singapore finally settled on magnetic cards made by
GPT with the first issue of 8 cards featuring sights of Singapore. So as you can see, its
been 10 years since. Till today, this is still by far the dominant cards in use.
Remote memory
Today, remote memory cards are also in use. Formerly known as "PhoneHome Cards"
(it was targeted at Singaporean overseas to call back home from any touch tone phone),
it is now known as "SingTel Worldcard". They can be only be used for
making overseas calls or to call Singapore from overseas. They come in denomination of
$10, $20 and $50. Click here to see an
example.
Yes! Chip cards too.
From 3rd December 1998, chipcards called "Freedom Phonecards" were
issued. As there are not many phones accepting these chipcards, I have yet to see a used
card among the thousands that pass through my hands. They’re reportedly to be used on
wireless payphones fitted on public transport such as buses and taxis. But with the wide
spread use mobile phones, these cards have not really caught on. Click here to see an
example. Click here to see an example.
The first irregular shaped card will be issued on 15th June 1999 featuring
McDonalds. Needless to say, it is a remote memory card.
Generally, magnetic cards make up the bulk of the cards used in Singapore. The other
types are rare and as for chipcards, VERY RARE.
New classifications
Lately, SingTel (the one and only phonecard issuer in singapore) has re-classified their
card issuing policy. Previously we have one whole set of cards for eg. 2x$10, 2x$20 and a
$50 card making up one series with a same control prefix eg. 43SIG(A)(B)(C)(D)(E). Now
cards are grouped according to classifications below. While there may be cards from
different classification that have similar themes, they may not necessary have the same
control prefix as before.
Other than a few cards in the early days that has emission in excess of 500,000,
Singapore phonecards today are rarely ever issued with an emission of more than 300,000.
Thematic Series
Cards with specific themes for general distribution. Emission ranges from 100,000 to
300,000. Denomination of $3 and $5.
Commemorative Series
Issued for a specific event or festivals eg. National Day, Chinese New Year,
Hari Raya etc. Emission ranges from 5000 to 150,000 Comes in denomination of $3 and $5
also.
SingTel In-house Cards
The bane of collectors worldwide. Usually boring designs advertising about SingTel
services. Denomination of $3 and $5.
Corporate Advertiser Cards
Usually issued in quantities of between 12,000 to 52,000, these are commissioned by
businesses for advertisement. Normally given only with purchase of their products/services
or as gifts. As these cards are harder to get and have no general theme, it is usually
only for specialist collectors. Denominations usually low values such as $2, $3.
Collector Series
Limited edition sets with less than 8000 emission, usually comes with a beautiful folder
and sold above the total value of the cards. Eg. Star Wars. These are almost impossible to
find in used condition. Who would want to break up the set and use it?
Junior Fun Cards
Well, if you’re 18 and below, and flash your student ID, you can purchase these sets
of cards (also sold above value with beautiful folders). Features popular cartoons or
other attractive designs targeted at children. Denomination of individual cards is
normally $2. Emission usually about 6000 only. Also unlikely to find in used condition.
Junior Thematic Series
No difference from thematic series cards but perhaps the theme may be more childlike.
Afterall it is targeted for school children. In mass circulation like the adult version
(and when I say adult I don’t mean nudes, its illegal in Singapore) with denomination
of $3 and $5.
IDD Cards
There are many foreign workers in Singapore and SingTel issues cards depicting subjects
that may be related to their culture or homeland. These cards are in mass circulation and
have emission of between 100,000 to 200,000. Denomination of $10 or $20.
$50 cards
The most sort after cards among collectors. Design will most likely feature local scenery
as from now unlike previously where it is part of a set eg. $50 African Lion in the
Wildlife set or $50 GoldWing in the Motorcycle set. Normally used only for making overseas
calls. Otherwise 500 local calls or 1500 minutes talktime. By then, you might as well
throw away the badly scratched card). Issued in much lower quantities and prized by all
collectors.
I hope with this introduction, you will be more familiar with Singapore cards. I have
to note that the term "thematic" is a loosely used term. Other cards which are
not in SingTel’s classfication of "Thematic Cards" or "Junior Thematic
Cards" may feature other designs that are commonly termed "thematic". So
there is no hard and fast rule about it.
As a collector, you can collect cards from any of the above classification and need not
be restrained to one classification. As in the above mentioned "thematic cards"
it is only a classification used by the phone service operator. We can all classify the
cards in any way we want. After all, collecting is to bring you enjoyment and you can
collect and group them in anyway you see fit and not according to how the phone operator
tells you to!
© Copyright 1999 by Swappers
Phonecards.
