TWO months ago, The New Paper's readers used The Postman series as their voice to put the right, positive kind of pressure on StarHub.

StarHub had just announced that it would raise its monthly sports cable television subscription fee from $15 to $25 (before GST).

What could subscribers get for $10 extra a month, from StarHub's sports package, we asked.

After all, it was only fair.

Want it, pay for it. Understood.

But want us to pay more? Then, make sure it's not the same recycled product, StarHub.

A dedicated football channel, our readers loudly proclaimed as one of their main requests for better value for the extra money, which we published as part of a list of what Singaporean fans demand.

StarHub thanked our readers for their patience and suggestions, as they themselves worked tirelessly and under pressure, no doubt, to live up to a new $25 a month (before GST) package.

In the end, we now have a dedicated English Premier League channel called the Football Channel.

When StarHub's press release came in during lunchtime yesterday, The Postman posted the question on the blog site tnppostman.com.

The Postman's Breaking Question: What's your reaction to StarHub's new plan and its key points or new components? Is it a better deal than before despite the price hike, or do you see any catches or loopholes in what is announced?

VERDICT

And from the readers who wrote in quickly, after poring through the new details, the verdict was a 'pass' instead of a 'fail'.

There were no outstandingly unfair catches that smacked anyone in the face.

I have to say that I agree with our readers who wrote in yesterday.

What we'll soon get for $25 a month - on paper at least for now - sounds far better than what we used to get for $15 a month.

If I am a broadband subscriber with StarHub, with any plan, I get to watch EPL games live, too, via streaming online on my computer.

Same if I have a mobile plan with them, and the right 3G or 3.5G handphone.

The bonus? It's all free.

Oh yes, there will be three additional sports channels, exclusive club content, a wider variety of European leagues, although the Italian Serie A is still sorely missing. Still, we can only hope and press further.

Saturday nights now give us a chance to watch three football matches at the same prime-time 9.55pm slot across three of StarHub's channels (21 & 22), including the new Football Channel.

My boss is thinking of cloning me, so I can cover all three at the same time before our deadline.

I thought of the personas - Man on the Run, The Postman, The Cable Man?

But rest assured folks.

We'll continue to bring you our distinct coverage in the new football season.

For now though, StarHub has certainly passed what our readers call the '$25 test'.

The package is set. The channels are being prepped up. Let's see how it all turns out in reality next weekend.