By: 
Ask yourself: How long can you survive without your mobile phone?
The answer is probably not long.
Mobile phones have become our go to place for communication and entertainment. One can often find people of different ages engrossed in a game of Candy Crush or see Aunties and Uncles walking around parks catching Pokemon.
That being said, the games on your mobile phone aren’t the only games being played. In fact, the real game is happening in the real world between the older Singapore Telcos such as StarHub, M1 and Singtel and the new ones such as MyRepublic and Circles.Life.
There’s more at stake than points and bragging rights. There are billions of dollars in revenue from more than 8 million subscribers in Singapore. With the high demand and many different Telco options, it can be tough to decide on the best Telco or mobile plan for yourself. In this article, we provide an overview of the various Telcos in Singapore, as well as the nitty-gritty details and prices to finding the best phone plan for you.
In the past, Singaporeans only had one choice when it came to purchasing and using mobile phones. They had to sign a contract with the Telco of their choice. The initial 2-year contract comes along with a phone and other network services. This was the status quo that older Telcos had held Singaporeans to for years.
That was until new Telcos entered the market. They offered Singaporeans SIM Only Plans, where they are given the option to purchase their own phones and a SIM with no contract attached.
This new option has been well-received by subscribers. However, the older Telcos led by Singtel aren’t taking it lying down. There have been various counter attacks from the old guards. The good news is that they will continue winning as these price wars continue. You can expect to see lower rates as the war between the old and new continues.
There has been a rush to get the SIM only plans, mainly because of their customisable aspects and flexible nature. However, there are still many people who prefer the renewable 2-year contracts offered by the older Telcos.
If you’re undecided on which option to go with, you should consider what each has to offer. Below is a breakdown of various SIM Only plans offered by the Singapore Telcos:
These plans require subscribers to sign up for a 2-year contract. Advantages are:
1. You Get A Phone
Signing up to these plans will guarantee that you have a phone. Subscribers may only need to pay a small amount of even $0 to get a new phone. The cost of the phone is then spread over two years. Most definitely a good plan for people who do not have cash to purchase a phone immediately.
2. You Can Top Up
If you’ve used up your data, talk time or SMS, you can top up at any moment. This allows you to continue using your phone without having to wait for the month to end to top up.
Various unique features are offered:
1. Flexibility
These plans offer you a post-paid option, meaning that you pay for the services after use. You will therefore only pay for what you use. This is opposed to the pre-paid contracts that force you to purchase credit upfront.
2. Freedom
One of the biggest benefits of the SIM-only plan is that you don’t have to sign a contract. This means that you can switch Telcos at any time. You don’t have to stick to a specific service even when you are dissatisfied with it. In addition to this, there are no cancellation fees. You simply purchase a new Sim and start a new plan whenever you want to.
3. Convenience
Looking to switch to a Sim Only plan? It’s easy. You can purchase the plan online and have the SIM card delivered to your doorstep. There are no physical forms to fill or documents to submit. You can get your SIM card whenever you want it.
4. Cost Savings
If you’re looking for a plan that will cut down your expenses, a SIM only plan would be a better bet. These plans are generally cheaper than the 2-year contract in the long run. Take advantage of the high level of competition amongst the Telcos to get a great bundle. Some of the Telcos also allow you to make changes to your phone plans at any time should you realise that you have unnecessary add-ons.
After new Telcos such as Circles.Life launched their new SIM Only Plans, older local Telcos were quick to follow. Singtel, StarHub, M1 and local internet broadband company have also launched their own SIM Only Plans with their own unique selling points. StarHub offers unlimited weekend data for their customers while MyRepublic offers Boundless Data, where customers will not be automatically charged or cancelled off when they have exceeded their data limit, but instead given lower connection speed.
Below is a summary of most Telcos in Singapore and their SIM Only Plans from Circles.Life, M1, MyRepublic, Singtel and StarHub. Some of the Telcos offer non-contract plans or 12-month contract plans.
To make it an easier read, we have included both a paragraph summary and a table summary of the plans and prices below.
Plan Name: Base Plan (No Contract)
Price: $28/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 6GB Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Free Caller ID
Optional Add-ons:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Incoming Calls at $2/Month
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Add on Data 20GB for $20
Plan Name: mySIM(3) 20 (12-Month Contract)
Price: $20/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 5GB Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 SMS
Plan Name: mySIM(3) 40 (12-Month Contract)
Price: $40/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 15GB Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 SMS
Plan Name: mySIM(3) 50 (12-Month Contract)
Price: $50/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 30GB Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 SMS
Plan Name: mySIM(3) 98 (12-Month Contract)
Price: $98/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited SMS
Plan Name: mySIM(3) 20 (No Contract)
Price: $20/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 2GB Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 SMS
Plan Name: mySIM(3) 40 (No Contract)
Price: $40/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 10GB Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 SMS
Plan Name: mySIM(3) 50 (No Contract)
Price: $50/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 15GB Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 100 SMS
Plan Name: mySIM(3) 98 (No Contract)
Price: $98/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 25GB Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited SMS
Plan Name: Smart 35 (No Contract)
Price: $35/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 7GB Data (Bonus 3GB for Broadband Customers)
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 1000 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 1000 SMS
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Free Incoming Calls and SMS
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Free Caller ID
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Boundless Data
Plan Name: Mega 55 (No Contract)
Price: $55/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 18GB Data (Bonus 8GB for Broadband Customers)
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 1000 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 1000 SMS
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Free Incoming Calls and SMS
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Free Caller ID
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Boundless Data
Plan Name: Xtra85 (No Contract)
Price: $85/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 32GB Data (Bonus 8GB for Broadband Customers)
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 2GB Roam Like Home Essential
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 1000 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 1000 SMS
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Boundless Data
All MyRepublic plans have the following add-on options:
One-time Data Boost:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 500MB for $3.50
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 1.5GB for $7.00
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 3GB for $12.00
Monthly Add-ons:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 1GB for $5.00/Month
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 3GB for $12.00/Month
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 8GB for $30.00/Month
Plan Name: SIM Only 10GB Plan (12-Month Contract)
Price: $36.05/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 10GB Data and Unlimited Singtel Wifi
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 150 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 500 SMS
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Free Incoming Calls
Plan Name: SIM Only 5GB Plan (12-Month Contract)
Price: $20/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 5GB Data and 2GB Singtel Wifi
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 150 Min Talktime
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 500 SMS
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Free Incoming Calls
Plan Name: SIM Only 3GB Plan (No Contract)
Price: $20/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 3GB Data and 2GB Singtel Wifi
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Free Incoming Calls
Plan Name: XS (No Contract)
Price: $24/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 3GB data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 200 Min Talktime
Plan Name: XS (12-Month Contract)
Price: $24/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 6GB Data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 200 Min Talktime
Notes:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Receive extra 10GB for Youth Perks (Tertiary students) sign-ups at StarHub Shops
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Receive extra 3GB for re-contract or new sign up before 28 Sep (Valid for 6 months, usual monthly $6 applies thereafter)
Plan Name: S (No Contract)
Price: $34/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 4GB Data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 400 Min Talktime
Plan Name: S (12-Month Contract)
Price: $34/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 8GB Data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 400 Min Talktime
Notes:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Receive extra 3GB for re-contract or new sign up before 28 Sep (Valid for 6 months, usual monthly $6 applies thereafter)
Plan Name: M (No Contract)
Price: $44/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 5GB Data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Talktime
Plan Name: M (12-Month Contract)
Price: $44/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 10GB Data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Talktime
Notes:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Receive extra 3GB for re-contract or new sign up before 28 Sep (Valid for 6 months, usual monthly $6 applies thereafter)
Plan Name: L (No Contract)
Price: $54/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 8GB Data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Talktime
Plan Name: L (12-Month Contract)
Price: $54/Month
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 16GB Data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Talktime
Notes:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Receive extra 3GB for re-contract or new sign up before 28 Sep (Valid for 6 months, usual monthly $6 applies thereafter)
Plan Name: XL (No Contract)
Price: $119/Month (Free International Roaming and Caller ID)
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 15GB Data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Talktime
Plan Name: XL (12-Month Contract)
Price: $119/Month (Free International Roaming and Caller ID)
Features:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] 30GB Data and Unlimited Weekend Data
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unlimited Talktime
Notes:
[icon name=”caret-right” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Receive extra 3GB for re-contract or new sign up before 28 Sep (Valid for 6 months, usual monthly $6 applies thereafter)
| Telco | Plan Name | Features | Optional Add-ons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Circles.Life | Base Plan (No Contract) |
|
| $28/Month |
M1 | mySIM(3) 20 (12-Month Contract) |
|
| $20/Month |
mySIM(3) 40 (12-Month Contract) |
|
| $40/Month | |
mySIM(3) 50 (12-Month Contract) |
|
| $50/Month | |
mySIM(3) 98 (12-Month Contract) |
|
| $98/Month | |
mySIM(3) 20 (No Contract) |
|
| $20/Month | |
mySIM(3) 40 (No Contract) |
|
| $40/Month | |
mySIM(3) 50 (No Contract) |
|
| $50/Month | |
mySIM(3) 98 (No Contract) |
|
| $98/Month | |
MyRepublic | Smart 35 (No Contract) |
| One-time Data Boost:
Monthly Add-ons:
| $35/Month |
Mega 55 (No Contract) |
| One-time Data Boost:
Monthly Add-ons:
| $55/Month | |
Xtra85 |
| One-time Data Boost:
Monthly Add-ons:
| $85/Month | |
Singtel | SIM Only 10GB Plan (12-Month Contract) |
| Add-ons:
| $36.05/Month |
SIM Only 5GB Plan (12-Month Contract) |
| Add-ons:
| $20/Month | |
SIM Only 3GB Plan (No Contract) |
| Add-ons:
| $20/Month | |
StarHub | XS (No Contract) |
|
| $24/Month |
XS (12-Month Contract) |
Notes:
|
| $24/Month | |
S (No Contract) |
|
| $34/Month | |
S (12-Month Contract) |
Notes:
|
| $34/Month | |
M (No Contract) |
|
| $44/Month | |
M (12-Month Contract) |
Notes:
|
| $44/Month | |
L (No Contract) |
|
| $54/Month | |
L (12-Month Contract) |
Notes:
|
| $54/Month | |
XL (No Contract) |
| $119/Month (Free International Roaming and Caller ID) | ||
XL (12-Month Contract) |
Notes:
| $119/Month (Free International Roaming and Caller ID) |
As technology advances, consumer tastes, preferences and needs have changed. Other than longer talktime or more SMSes, Singaporeans are craving for more data.
So, in December 2018, some of the Singapore telcos decided to up their game.
Circles.Life is giving everyone a special Christmas present and StarHub is breaking status quo.
Other than their usual $28/month base plan, Circles.Life has introduced two new plans to fit the needs of different users. The best part? One of them costs $0/month.
| Telco | Plan Name | Features | Optional Add-ons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Circles.Life | Flexi Plan (No Contract) |
| Add onto Base Plan:
Add Plus Options:
| $0/Month |
Base Plan (No Contract) |
| Add onto Base Plan:
Add Plus Options:
| $28/Month | |
Base Plan With 20 GB Add-on (No Contract) |
| Add onto Base Plan:
Add Plus Options:
| $48/Month |
And for Christmas, Circles.Life is giving away 20GB of data! Use the code “20GBFREEDEC” to enjoy 20GB free in December, only for new sign ups.
StarHub has stepped up their game. To remain competitive, the telco has brought in new mobile plans and broke status quo. So, what are the new plans and what can users benefit from them?
| Telco | Plan Name | Features | Optional Add-ons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
StarHub | $25 SIM Only Plan (No Contract) |
|
| $25/Month |
$50 SIM Only Plan (No Contract) |
|
| $50/Month | |
$80 SIM Only Plan (No Contract) |
|
| $80/Month | |
$50 2-Year Plan (With Mobile Phone Options) |
|
| $50/Month | |
$75 2-Year Plan (With Mobile Phone Options) |
|
| $75/Month | |
$105 2-Year Plan (With Mobile Phone Options) |
|
| $105/Month |
Above are the new plans by StarHub and some of their new add-ons can be a little confusing. To save you the effort of googling, here are the definitions.
Unlimited Social Pass ($10/Month) – Enjoy unlimited data on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.
Unlimited Chat Pass ($6/Month) – Enjoy unlimited data on LINE, WeChat and WhatsApp.
Unlimited Video Pass ($10/Month) – Enjoy unlimited data on CatchPlay, HBO GO, Netflix and Toggle.
SmartSupport ($12/Month) – 4-hour Device Replacement or Swap* and One-click access to Tech Support
SIM Only plans in Singapore might be cheaper than the tradition 2-year contract plans but the downside is that you will have to purchase your own phone. Getting a new phone in Singapore can be costly. If you wish to purchase a new phone without opting for a 2-year contract, consider:
1. Trade in – If you already have a phone, you should consider trading it in. Companies that have trade-in programs will exchange the old phone for a more recent version. You will only pay the difference in value.
2. Savings – Decide on the phone you want and start saving towards purchasing it.
3. Loans – There are various financial plans available to help you purchase a new phone. You can access these financial products through banks, licensed money lenders or other financiers.
4. Phone Installment Plan – Certain Telcos such as Circles.Life offer phone installment plans. You only need to pay a monthly fee in order to receive a new phone. This helps to lighten the load of getting a brand new phone.
All in all, you should choose the mobile plan and Telco that best caters to your needs. For example, if you spend most of your weekdays in the office and at home with Wifi coverage and weekends outdoors, perhaps StarHub might be the best for you with their Unlimited Weekend Deals. If you prefer to have the flexibility to customize your phone plan at any time, Circles.Life might be suitable because you can change your plan at any time of the month using their mobile application. List out your needs and find the plan that matches them.
