By Jonathan Wong & Terrence Voon

WITH SingTel's announcement that it had secured exclusive rights to broadcast English Premier League (EPL) games from the next season, things are going to get more crowded in the Goh household.

Mr Justin Goh, 25, an undergrad, loves watching both football and movies on StarHub cable. But with many sports offerings now migrating to SingTel, he says his current predicament is 'ridiculous'.

There are three StarHub set-top boxes in the Manchester United fan's Pasir Ris flat, so his family can watch movies, sports and variety programmes at their convenience.

'Does this mean we're going to need six boxes now if I want to watch the EPL and still have HBO?' he asked in exasperation.

It is a similar situation for the majority of the 23 fans The Straits Times spoke to. Most felt that they were forced into a corner: switch providers or pay for two subscriptions.

For the avid sports fan, mioTV will be indispensable from next year, with events like Formula One, Wimbledon and US Masters golf added to its programme arsenal courtesy of its deal with ESPN Star Sports.

Mr Lester Tan, for instance, already spends close to $140 for StarHub subscription fees each month. Said the businessman: 'My parents enjoy watching the shows on StarHub now so it's unlikely we're going to cancel that contract. But it means I will have to pay extra for sports.'

For those unwilling to make the switch, there is the option of watching EPL matches at nightspots and coffee shops.

Madam Goh Lay Choo, who runs the 333 Coffee Shop along Bedok North Avenue 3, says she will make the switch to SingTel to keep her customers as most of them come at night to watch football.

Some businesses, however, say SingTel's win is actually a boon. Said Ms Evelyn Tan, outlet manager for The Cavern at Boat Quay: 'It's good news, because now we can get both Champions League and EPL with the same subscription.'

Harry's Bar - which has 24 outlets across Singapore - is looking into the issue. 'There will be logistical and cost issues, because not all our outlets are wired up for mioTV,' said Mr Brian Masters, the group's head of sales and marketing. 'But live sport is a major attraction at Harry's on weekends, so it's likely we'll have to switch.'

This story was first published in The Straits Times.

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