StarHub and M1 parent Keppel confirmed on September 23, 2026, that they were discussing a possible transaction involving M1. The confirmation was not an announcement of a sale: both companies said the talks were ongoing and gave no assurance that a deal would result.
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What prompted the announcements?
The companies responded in separate stock-exchange filings to a Business Times report that StarHub was in advanced talks with Keppel. Keppel confirmed discussions about a possible M1 transaction, but said there was “no certainty or assurance” that one would materialise. No definitive agreement had been reached.
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Why is Keppel considering consolidation?
Keppel said it continues to explore consolidation opportunities for M1 because it believes consolidation is needed in Singapore’s telecom sector. It also remains focused on strengthening M1’s business. Exploring a transaction does not, by itself, mean Keppel has stopped developing the company.
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Analysts have pointed to weakening mobile-service revenue and earnings pressure in Singapore’s competitive telecom market as reasons consolidation may appeal to operators. That is industry context, not a guarantee that the StarHub–M1 talks will succeed.
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What happened to the Simba deal?
Keppel’s earlier plan to sell M1’s telecom operations to Simba, in a transaction with an enterprise value of about S$1.43 billion, fell through in May 2026. Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority halted its merger assessment after learning that Simba might have used radio-frequency bands it had not been assigned. The potential spectrum breach was under investigation; it should not be described as an established violation. Keppel subsequently let the proposed deal lapse.
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The episode shows that a proposed M1 transaction can fail before completion. It does not establish that regulators would reject a different deal with StarHub.
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Where does MyRepublic fit in?
In August 2025, StarHub bought the remaining 49.9% of MyRepublic Broadband, adding to its existing 50.1% stake. The purchase was valued at S$105.2 million, or roughly S$105 million. It provides context for StarHub’s telecom expansion, but it was separate from the M1 discussions and does not indicate that an M1 deal has been agreed.
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