Facebook

 

Two days after the World Cup broadcast rights had been secured, John Chua, started a Facebook group voicing his discontent at the expensive prices.

The ‘Mass Boycott Starhub/Singtel Overpriced World Cup Package’ group became an instant hit in the online community. At the time of writing there are more than 27,000 members who have committed to boycott Starhub and Singtel and cancel their existing subscriptions. Considering the telecommunications companies need 300,000 subscribers to break even, this is a substantial number. Particularly when factoring in the multiplier effect of friends, family and people who don’t have a Facebook account.

Such a rapid mobilisation of people is only possible through the use of social networking sites such as Facebook. John Chua’s Facebook group became a mini community for people to vent their frustration and discuss alternative ways to watch the World Cup. The group was also the one stop source for all media coverage.

 No World Cup This Year

Through the Facebook group, Singaporeans could say what they wanted. In an email interview with one of the group’s administrators, a member who wanted to be known as ‘NoWorldCupThisYear’ (NWCTY) said Singapore society is a “remarkably conservative and quiet one.”

“I think Facebook gave many of us opportunity to voice our feelings, concerns and anger. At least many of us believe we will not be reprimanded for such a non-political issue” – NWCTY

More importantly, in a society where questioning the established elite is extremely rare, NWCTY felt it was the right time for the public to stand up for their beliefs.

“This seemed like an opportunity to stand up against what represents the authority. This seems to be a minor matter but not for football fans” – NWCTY

While this was not an anti-government protest, it is significant that SingTel and Starhub are government linked companies. This was a civilised and well organised protest intended to hurt the telecommunications companies where it hurts most – their bottom line. 

Speakers Corner

The Facebook group’s influence culminated in the 2010 World Cup Fan Gathering at the Speakers Corner at Hong Lim Park on June 5.

The event was intended to be a celebration of Singaporean’s passion for football but also their united voice as consumers. Fans could mingle and discuss their passion for football and exchange tips about alternative ways to watch the World Cup. Participants were encouraged to wear football shirts and print out a red card from the Facebook group website. At the end of proceedings, fans took part in a giant Mexican wave showing the red card to SingTel and Starhub.

The Speakers Corner is the recognised and official location for public debate and demonstrations. In the conservative Singapore, the Speakers Corner is hardly used. For the venue to be used for a football-related concern speaks volumes about Singaporeans passion for the World Cup. It also illustrated how social media helped usually ambivalent Singaporeans to speak up.

Over 200 people attended and the event made prime time news as well as being covered by most mainstream media outlets. NWCTY doubts there will another protest during the World Cup however he did state there will plenty of gatherings to watch the World Cup together.  

One reporter from MediaCorp’s 938LIVE talk radio station, Philip Goh was not so impressed with the event.

“There were certainly not enough numbers to make a statement to the Telcos (telecommunications companies). And there was no word on whether the Telcos were invited to the event at all. On the day, there was a lack of clarity WHAT message they wanted to send to the Telcos… and there was no mention of how the Telcos will be made to pay for this folly” – Phil Goh.