[Article] Circles.Life is the new digital telco in town: Here's what you need to know

[mudxblood]

need to sign off in person?

U can opt for someone to collect on your behalf. But need fill in some form.

Sent from LGE NEXUS 5X using GAGT

 

[Luna99]

I've gotten it. Why?

Oh how long did it take for you to receive the card after your registration? How was the network coverage, call quality and data speed?

Just gotten my registration yesterday and registering now.

 

[JivBunny]

Circles.Life targeted user group is those who need more data than calls or SMS. That's why their calls and SMS pricing are not even competitive to say the least. Their free WhatsApp plan is a clear indication. Nowadays I use it almost exclusively for communications.

The other plus feature is the realtime monitoring of data usage and you can buy additional data before it bursts the cap. So far, no telcos offer this and you basically have to pay more if you burst it. Or buy a bigger plan which you probably don't use it most of the time just to avoid paying more.

For those who need that kind of flexibility and have no need for free incoming/outgoing calls and SMSes, Circles.Life will likely be more attractive, even though the plan is more expensive. I see them as the Viewqwest equivalent. Viewqwest is not cheapest ISP in Singapore, but differentiates herself through optimization of network in other ways that suit user needs, which eventually justifies the price.

Actually if your concern is to use WhatsApp exclusively, then SingTel prepaid also got one that cost just $6/mth for unlimited data for WhatsApp . But it has a fair use policy of not exceeding 1gb WhatsApp on a daily basis.

Personally, I don't see where is the value of plans offered by circles.life when other telco Sim only plans are far more attractive.

Also for my case where I have multi saver or CIS rates thrown in, really not worth it.

I am actually waiting for a telco who will come in and offer unlimited data bundle.

Some telco in the region offer "unlimited data" but the unlimited is actually at 128-384kbps speed, which is actually more than sufficient for line, telegram, WhatsApp etc and also for ip calling when 64kbps is more than sufficient for decent conversation.

 

[tiger2013]

Oh how long did it take for you to receive the card after your registration? How was the network coverage, call quality and data speed?

Just gotten my registration yesterday and registering now.

You will get the SIM card a few days later.

Network coverage wise, I don't think it's comparable to Singtel (my old plan). For my area (Serangoon North), it's mostly 2 bars. My closer neighbour, AMK, is a full 4-bar. For Singtel, I have 4 full bars almost everywhere I go.

I was expecting LTE in trains, especially on the newer lines, but that didn't happen. At best, 3G. Call quality and and data speed wise, I'm happy with it.

Originally, I had expected this to be an upgrade over my old 12GB plan, but since I can only get LTE when I'm above ground (i.e. when I'm not in trains), it's not quite what I expected. So my expectations are not fully met. Satisfaction - 90%.

 

[tiger2013]

Actually if your concern is to use WhatsApp exclusively, then SingTel prepaid also got one that cost just $6/mth for unlimited data for WhatsApp . But it has a fair use policy of not exceeding 1gb WhatsApp on a daily basis.

Personally, I don't see where is the value of plans offered by circles.life when other telco Sim only plans are far more attractive.

Also for my case where I have multi saver or CIS rates thrown in, really not worth it.

I am actually waiting for a telco who will come in and offer unlimited data bundle.

Some telco in the region offer "unlimited data" but the unlimited is actually at 128-384kbps speed, which is actually more than sufficient for line, telegram, WhatsApp etc and also for ip calling when 64kbps is more than sufficient for decent conversation.

Actually, I don't use it for just WhatsApp only... WhatsApp is part of it. My data plan has other uses like surfing FB, web, watch short videos, watch live matches, etc. So in some ways, I'm a fairly heavy data user. The reason I get this plan is because I can adjust my data usage instead of worrying being bombed by a big bill.

To be fair, if we are going to compare this plan pricing with the old 12GB pricing, then there's no way that expectations will be met (pricing wise). Since I barely call and SMS these days, a 3GB + 2GB (free) data plan makes most sense. Pricing wise, it's comparable to my current Singtel CIS.

If any telco can match or better this @ Singtel CIS pricing, jumping ship is a very simple decision.

For those who are holding on to the old 12GB plan, maybe it won't make sense to jump. I don't think there's any more plan that's more better for money than old 12GB plan pricing? But if you want a speed upgrade, decent data cap at decent pricing and is willing to compromise a bit on the price, then Circles' plan is worth looking into.

 

[Luna99]

You will get the SIM card a few days later.

Network coverage wise, I don't think it's comparable to Singtel (my old plan). For my area (Serangoon North), it's mostly 2 bars. My closer neighbour, AMK, is a full 4-bar. For Singtel, I have 4 full bars almost everywhere I go.

I was expecting LTE in trains, especially on the newer lines, but that didn't happen. At best, 3G. Call quality and and data speed wise, I'm happy with it.

Originally, I had expected this to be an upgrade over my old 12GB plan, but since I can only get LTE when I'm above ground (i.e. when I'm not in trains), it's not quite what I expected. So my expectations are not fully met. Satisfaction - 90%.

Thanks Tiger2013!

They just replied me and i'll be getting my card on Wednesday. I shall test the connectivity and speed on the East - NorthEast region. I'm not on Singtel but i will do comparison with Starhub and also M1.

 

[joeey]

whats is the chances of getting the sim card? if we register, is it confirm we will get?

 

[Luna99]

whats is the chances of getting the sim card? if we register, is it confirm we will get?

First you have to sign up with them first and once invitation is sent to your email, you will be able to register for a sim card.

 

[joeey]

First you have to sign up with them first and once invitation is sent to your email, you will be able to register for a sim card.

Have signed up already

Sent from sent from gagt..... with gagt using GAGT

 

[PongRareRare]

Anyone in the west can give review? I'm still waiting patiently for my approval email
I realised they do not have a 24/7 service line, so if late night network down, no one to call.

 

[iichigoz]

You guys are all really okay with no free incoming calls? This is the only thing that's holding me back.

 

[tiger2013]

You guys are all really okay with no free incoming calls? This is the only thing that's holding me back.

I think someone mentioned it's included in the base plan? The 100 minutes of talk time.

In any case, I can call using WhatsApp. Unless that fellow no WhatsApp.

 

[tiger2013]

Anyone in the west can give review? I'm still waiting patiently for my approval email
I realised they do not have a 24/7 service line, so if late night network down, no one to call.

Even if got problem, call also no use, haha. They are riding on M1's network. It's up to M1 to fix it. They at most can only chase M1 for updates to appease us.

 

[zzxxzzxx]

Some may like the plan. but wanna hold out till 2016 April for the 4th telco.

I read someone checked with Circles.Life about Suspending the Line.
After the 1st month ($28) you can suspend the line for up to 12 months.
Not sure if there's any payment for holding it.

Suspending the line gives you chance to HOLD the free PERMANENT 2GB extras. (3GB + 2GB)
IF the 4th telco is CMI, then we can use back C.L.

 

[iichigoz]

I think someone mentioned it's included in the base plan? The 100 minutes of talk time.

In any case, I can call using WhatsApp. Unless that fellow no WhatsApp.

The thing is that most people won't call me using Whatsapp. Haha!

 

[Luna99]

The thing is that most people won't call me using Whatsapp. Haha!

It depends on how your usage pattern is or will be. If most people call you via your mobile number then it works out better for plans giving out more talktime. As currently now they are doing Whatsapp unlimited text and voice call and giving 2GB bonus im also giving it a try and see if this works for me.

100min talktime is inclusive both in/outgoing calls

 

[Luna99]

For those who want to know what was inside the box

The TriSIM card, sticker and a friendship band

 

[qyc_91]

Even if got problem, call also no use, haha. They are riding on M1's network. It's up to M1 to fix it. They at most can only chase M1 for updates to appease us.

if you're down means M1 is down too. so M1 customers will be the angry one, you guys just relax and wait.

 

[zzxxzzxx]

If whole of Singapore is using Circles.Life. then we have no issues with no free incoming.

 

[iichigoz]

It depends on how your usage pattern is or will be. If most people call you via your mobile number then it works out better for plans giving out more talktime. As currently now they are doing Whatsapp unlimited text and voice call and giving 2GB bonus im also giving it a try and see if this works for me.

100min talktime is inclusive both in/outgoing calls

So how did you customise your plan to be? Do update us how you find the network connectivity and all ya? haha thanks!!!