Planning Your BTO Reno? How To Set Up Home Broadband & WiFi Like A Pro

You've got your mood board locked down for years and your contractor on speed dial, meticulously choosing the perfect kitchen backsplash and arguing over the exact shade of grey. But when it comes to the one thing you can't live without in this digital age, your WiFi is still buffering somewhere at the back of your mind. 

With 20,000 new flats launched in 2025, new homeowners are about to learn this lesson the hard way: Your broadband setup should not be an afterthought. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a tech guru to get it right. All you need is a clear strategy for how to seamlessly include your WiFi into your renovation plan.

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Build it into your reno plans

When it comes to renovation, planning your broadband setup as part of your ID or contractor discussion from the start is the smartest decision you (and all of us) can make. 

The last thing you want is for a beautiful new home to be let down by a poor internet connection or unsightly DIY wiring. Getting ahead is key to avoiding costly rework and ensuring a future-proof home: 

Check if your home is up to speed

While most BTOs are fibre-ready, it's possible (although rare) that the Fibre Termination Point (FTP) has not yet been installed by NetLink Trust's website–the national network provider for fibre broadband—due to unforeseen construction or logistical delays. 

As such, the first thing you should do is to have a quick check on NLT’s website to verify if your new home is fibre-ready or not. 

For telco providers like StarHub, upon signing-up, their systems can instantly confirm whether your new home is fibre-ready or not, as they have direct access to the nationwide fibre network database by NLT. This allows you to get a jump-start on your router planning.

Plan for a polished, cord-free space

In the rare case that FTP is not yet installed, you can work with your interior designer or contractor to strategically lay it out. At the same time, this is the best opportunity to plan your router’s exact location for optimal WiFi coverage. A few tips can make all the difference:

• Aim for an open, elevated space on a shelf or wall mount and avoid placing the router inside cabinets or enclosed spaces where the signal can be blocked.  
• You can also consider setting up pre-planned data points (e.g. Ethernet points in key areas like living room or study room). This allows your game console or smart TV to get the most out of your bandwidth and not slow down other devices.

By thinking ahead, you avoid placing your router in areas that will be blocked by new fixtures—saving you from expensive revamps like:

Source: MoneySmart

Not all routers are built the same

Of course, a perfect set-up is only as good as the hardware that powers it. The problem is, your trusty WiFi 6 router (which most of us have) is already past its prime. You've probably noticed the signs with your 4K stream buffering, or your work calls freezing at the worst possible time. 

Once ready, ask yourself: are you getting everything you need from your current plan? 

A plan that includes a WiFi 7 router and all your entertainment bundled in one can save you from a world of frustrating lags and subscription juggling. Consider the kind of deals you can find from each provider. 

For instance,  StarHub UltraSpeed 10Gbps Broadband (WiFi 7) for new signees includes free access to the Premier League, while its other broadband plans come with different perks. Here’s how they compare:

Everyday activities

For a couple's daily online needs, the 3Gbps Broadband plan offers a smooth experience for 4K streaming, while including a WiFi 7 router and professional installation right from the get-go.

Multi-device, work office home

If your household has multiple people working from home, streaming in 4K, or running a whole ecosystem of smart home devices, the 5Gbps Broadband plan can provide the bandwidth to keep everyone online without a hitch. 

Multi-gen families & gaming 

With a focus on zero latency and instant downloads, the 10Gbps Broadband plan can be a solid upgrade for hardcore gamers, multi-gen families, or anyone who simply wants the fastest connection on the market. 

Since our government is pushing to upgrade Singapore's national network, getting this is like staying one step ahead of the curve.

Entertainment bundles 

HomeHub+ offers a single subscription for your internet and entertainment needs. It brings together high-speed broadband with access to popular streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max, a wide variety of English and Asian content, and live sports including Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, and F1 tournaments—eliminating the need for too many separate accounts and subscriptions. 

Look out for the frequent sign-up promotions that provide savings and value-for-money smart home products, which can be quite handy for new homeowners.

WiFi should not be a plug-and-play situation

With post-reno aesthetics perfected and the router in an optimal spot, signal strength issues can still yet emerge in unexpected areas. 

The truth is, most routers aren’t built to cut through all those layers of reinforced concrete and handle the demands of a modern smart home.

Consider the sheer device count; with a typical family of four having over 13 gadgets(!) (3.3 devices/person), a single router will struggle to reach every device and crevice. 

This makes "dead zones" a constant frustrating reality that prevents seamless connectivity throughout your home. Fortunately, there are ways to outsmart the concrete jungle and check if your setup is actually cutting it: 

Quick post-reno coverage test

If you prefer to check it manually, simplywalk around with a smartphone/ laptop while observing the WiFi signal indicator. A sudden drop in signal strength or a complete loss of connection in certain areas is a dead ringer of a dead zone. 

Getting professional help? A guaranteed fix 

Although the “walking method” helps identify the problem, getting an expert opinion is often the next step. Unlike some telco providers who leave a do-it-yourself setup, signing up for all StarHub broadband plans gets you a complimentary installation and consultation service by their technical experts, Hub Troopers.

During on-site consultation, they can perform a physical speed test to identify dead zones and pinpoint the exact source of signal interferences, from appliances (microwave ovens, silver-coated mirrors, aquarium tanks etc) to structural elements of your home. 

You’ll also get a drawn plan that shows the optimal router placement—and whether a single router is enough or if a mesh system is a better choice. 

Need help later on? StarHub offers 24/7 virtual customer service - made available through the app or official site for further support. 

To find the best broadband deals, check out StarHub’s list of best fibre broadband plans.

Final words

While it's understandable to focus more on design and furnishings, a decision you'll be thankful for later on is incorporating your Internet and WiFi setup needs into your renovation plans from the beginning. By thinking about your router placements strategically, you save yourself from pitfalls like dead zones, messy cabling, and the need for expensive rework later on.

Ultimately, a seamless home experience is a choice you can make today. Providers like StarHub take the stress out of the equation, offering all-inclusive plans bundled with free WiFi 7 router, installation and coverage consultation that go beyond a standard broadband plan, ensuring every part of your digital life is covered.

This post was written in collaboration with Starhub. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same objective lens. We are committed to providing the best information in order for you to make personal financial decisions with confidence.