+ Life | Free Phone

On the 27th May 2006 marked my 1 year phone plan with M1 telco.

I received a letter from M1 for my "loyal support, we're offering you a free phone."

I get to choose either a Philips S800, a Sony Erricson Z520i or a Motorola SLVR L6 when extending a two year subscription with M1.

On top of that, they will reduce the monthly phone bill by S$11.62 for a year, irregardless whether the 2-year plan is taken up or not.

The offer will be until 18 June 2006.

After my Sunday workout at the Tampines Swimming Complex, while my son had his swimming fun, we headed to Tampines Mall for Chicken Rice dinner.

Then headed to Century Square 3rd floor for M1 Shop.


The place was packed with people in a long queue, expectedly so since there are other eligible customers like me and further more, it the start of the month... every body's pockets are "loaded" with cash.

I gave up queuing after 10 minutes since the line did not seem to move forward fast enough. Fortunately for me, I asked one of the attending M1 staff about my offer.

He told me to check for availability before queuing at any branch, and even recommended me to call M1 1627 hotline to check availability at other branches, so I would have to waste a trip.

On our way to Challenger IT Superstore at DBS Building, I called the hotline.

What a shock for me to find out that all M1 branches across Singapore has the Z520i cell phone out of stock. They are waiting for the suppliers to confirm a restock date but have no firm date yet.

I have to keep calling after a few days to check on the status.


Wow again! I have learnt that cell phones are a hot, cannot-do-without item that is already a very part of a Singaporean life. What more if it is offered free.

After loosing out on Nokia's N750 half-priced offer from Metro last week, I lost on this one too. Though there is still hope for the latter, chances are slim.

Wonder if I have to camp out all night like the Singapore Idol contestant to get a hold of what I want... nah... not that desperate.

At worst I will just settle for the Motorola... if it is still available. Well, life goes on.