It is believed to be looking for one more agency to add to its shortlist.
SingTel had earlier shortlisted MediaCom, Starcom and eight-year incumbent MEC to enter the final round of review.
An industry source close to the pitch said: “I can think of two reasons why SingTel has done this. It was either disappointed by the presentations of the three agencies it has shortlisted. Or one agency has persuaded SingTel to restart the process.”
Managed by R3, the review was first called in June as part of a periodic review of the telco’s key vendors and partners.
Agencies submitted credentials for the first stage of the review and were also tested on thought leadership and strategies for helping clients enhance media efficiency and effectiveness.
The second phase will see the shortlisted agencies being evaluated on strategic thinking and analysis as well as media competencies and competitive costing.
SingTel currently leads the local mobile market with a share of 46.4 per cent and 2.94 million subscribers.
In June, the telco ramped up its multimedia offerings by launching AMPed, a digital music download service and portal offering unlimited downloads for its mobile subscribers.
SingTel is also the exclusive local distributor of Apple’s iPhone 3GS handset in the Lion City.
SingTel handed its S$30 million (US$20.5 million) creative account to BBDO in January 2008.