MyRepublic Mobile discussion thread

[A7997A]

Is this plan still available ?

Yes, see here for details

 

[loganrunning]

MyRepublic Talk app will be taken down end dec 2025.
sad to see it go, as it's been a lifesaver in countries where VoLTE is not supported by the sg telco's roaming arrangements (or where the roaming telco does not support VoLTE on your phone)

Unless i missed something, news of the impending demise is not shown on the MR mobile app, nor on their website, so a heads-up for those using it. Also, no mention of any replacement or alternatives.

edit: this app also did not have problems receiving calls on android ie not requiring the app to be in the unlocked foreground, unlike the Simba Voice app.

 

[JAYSCS]

MyRepublic Talk app will be taken down end dec 2025.
sad to see it go, as it's been a lifesaver in countries where VoLTE is not supported by the sg telco's roaming arrangements.

Unless i missed something, news of the impending demise is not shown on the MR mobile app, nor on their website, so a heads-up for those using it. Also, no mention of any replacement or alternatives.

The only saving grace for non-VoLTE 4G device is now left with Simba Voice app, hope Simba will not do the same.

 

[froztheart]

MyRepublic Talk app will be taken down end dec 2025.
sad to see it go, as it's been a lifesaver in countries where VoLTE is not supported by the sg telco's roaming arrangements (or where the roaming telco does not support VoLTE on your phone)

Unless i missed something, news of the impending demise is not shown on the MR mobile app, nor on their website, so a heads-up for those using it. Also, no mention of any replacement or alternatives.

edit: this app also did not have problems receiving calls on android ie not requiring the app to be in the unlocked foreground, unlike the Simba Voice app.

It was communicated through email recently.

 

[loganrunning]

The only saving grace for non-VoLTE 4G device is now left with Simba Voice app, hope Simba will not do the same.

That's officially unsupported on android. taken off play store and need to side load.
some months ago, i made visits to both orchard and kaki bukit service centres. was told rudely that the app was no longer supported, and told to buy a new phone.

also, recall that a few months ago, while the app could be installed, both ios and android phones could not register. this was rectified last or last-last month.

so, don't hold your breath that simba will keep the service running for long.
they probably see it as a cost centre.

 

[loganrunning]

It was communicated through email recently.

ah, i must have missed it.

still, i wonder why they don't put it up on the app or website.

 

[JAYSCS]

That's officially unsupported on android. taken off play store and need to side load.
some months ago, i made visits to both orchard and kaki bukit service centres. was told rudely that the app was no longer supported, and told to buy a new phone.

also, recall that a few months ago, while the app could be installed, both ios and android phones could not register. this was rectified last or last-last month.

so, don't hold your breath that simba will keep the service running for long.
they probably see it as a cost centre.

A reason that it was reinstated could be Simba realises that this app is still widely used by the subscribers i think. So based on demand and supply theory, and being its edge over other telcos with this unique service, it may stay. Unlike MR Call app, which is literally unknown by many, that is why email notice is served for its demise instead of a public notification.

If Simba ceases Voice app, i will definitely port out as this is the only reason I am with them, their plan is still not the lowest afterall. But when i am eligible for its senior plan, then I may port back...

 

[ecommercenoob]

Anyone got sign up $6 plan?

 

[loganrunning]

A reason that it was reinstated could be Simba realises that this app is still widely used by the subscribers i think. So based on demand and supply theory, and being its edge over other telcos with this unique service, it may stay. Unlike MR Call app, which is literally unknown by many, that is why email notice is served for its demise instead of a public notification.

good point. MR marketing fail....... what could have been a USP, they don't even push.
the MR app is better than the Simba app in so many ways.

If Simba ceases Voice app, i will definitely port out as this is the only reason I am with them, their plan is still not the lowest afterall. But when i am eligible for its senior plan, then I may port back...

same for MR. MR Talk app only works if using 4G plan (which runs on m1 4G, which even loses out to Simba 4G, worse their roaming is just ridiculously expensive).
i only use MR when travelling -- and only for the Talk app. if MR Talk App is really killed, gonna port out.

time to explore other VoIP options, including resuscitating the home pabx

 

[loganrunning]

Anyone got sign up $6 plan?

on 4G?

 

[ecommercenoob]

on 4G?

Yes.

 

[loganrunning]

Yes.

its running on m1 4G. don't expect great performance out of it.
personally, in the places i frequent, simba 4G (ie on a 4G phone) performs better, plus it has bundled roaming.


edit: if price is a factor: MR $6 plan is cheaper than Simba $10, unless you can sign up for the senior plan

 

[xiaofan]

good point. MR marketing fail....... what could have been a USP, they don't even push.
the MR app is better than the Simba app in so many ways.

same for MR. MR Talk app only works if using 4G plan (which runs on m1 4G, which even loses out to Simba 4G, worse their roaming is just ridiculously expensive).
i only use MR when travelling -- and only for the Talk app. if MR Talk App is really killed, gonna port out.

time to explore other VoIP options, including resuscitating the home pabx

Just trying to understand the objective of this discussion.

What is the problem using free voice roaming from Eight/SIMBA? Or even WhatsApp/WeChat call?

Or the main objective is to support old phones? Or roaming partners without VoLTE?

 

[JAYSCS]

good point. MR marketing fail....... what could have been a USP, they don't even push.
the MR app is better than the Simba app in so many ways.



same for MR. MR Talk app only works if using 4G plan (which runs on m1 4G, which even loses out to Simba 4G, worse their roaming is just ridiculously expensive).
i only use MR when travelling -- and only for the Talk app. if MR Talk App is really killed, gonna port out.

time to explore other VoIP options, including resuscitating the home pabx

It makes me wonder too why MR Talk app is so underdog. On looking back, i think Talk app was developed to pave the way to be the 4th Telco company (to cater for non-VoLTE 4G devices which were quite common), but unfortunately and jaw-droppingly TPG won the bid. In a way, the app became non-essential yet useful, so it was offered to the public.

 

[JAYSCS]

Just trying to understand the objective of this discussion.

What is the problem using free voice roaming from Eight/SIMBA? Or even WhatsApp/WeChat call?

Or the main objective is to support old phones? Or roaming partners without VoLTE?

No objective, just mourning for a useful app for niche group that will be no longer available.

 

[loganrunning]

Just trying to understand the objective of this discussion.

What is the problem using free voice roaming from Eight/SIMBA? Or even WhatsApp/WeChat call?

Or the main objective is to support old phones? Or roaming partners without VoLTE?

whatsapp/wechat/viber etc OTT calls are ok for personal, but banks, govt bodies etc, only call to "real numbers".

some telcos don't have voice roaming arrangements with some countries, only data.
and even when they do, sometimes, the VoLTE connection fails.
sure, one could have a 2nd or 3rd line across different telcos, but that complicates the situation.

having a single VoIP number which you can be contacted, is a huge plus.
any data network, local or roaming will work.

even when your MNO number does not have roaming, just unconditionally forward to that number, and you can receive calls, so long as you have a data connection.

of course, if you don't need to travel frequently especially on business, then this discussion is moot

 

[JAYSCS]

whatsapp/wechat/viber etc OTT calls are ok for personal, but banks, govt bodies etc, only call to "real numbers".

some telcos don't have voice roaming arrangements with some countries, only data.
and even when they do, sometimes, the VoLTE connection fails.
sure, one could have a 2nd or 3rd line across different telcos, but that complicates the situation.

having a single VoIP number which you can be contacted, is a huge plus.
any data network, local or roaming will work.

even when your MNO number does not have roaming, just unconditionally forward to that number, and you can receive calls, so long as you have a data connection.

of course, if you don't need to travel frequently especially on business, then this discussion is moot

My objective is simpler, just to continue using my existing non-VoLTE 4G devices, let them be still useful and relevant. You are pro user on another level.

 

[xiaofan]

whatsapp/wechat/viber etc OTT calls are ok for personal, but banks, govt bodies etc, only call to "real numbers".

some telcos don't have voice roaming arrangements with some countries, only data.
and even when they do, sometimes, the VoLTE connection fails.
sure, one could have a 2nd or 3rd line across different telcos, but that complicates the situation.

having a single VoIP number which you can be contacted, is a huge plus.
any data network, local or roaming will work.

even when your MNO number does not have roaming, just unconditionally forward to that number, and you can receive calls, so long as you have a data connection.

of course, if you don't need to travel frequently especially on business, then this discussion is moot

For business, company should have arrangement as the cost can be higher.

I used to have a company iPhone on Singtel Combo 3 plan (late 2016 to early 2018) and roaming voice call was allowed for business reasons, even the cost was pretty high.

But thanks for the explanations.

BTW, we have no more VoIP phones now at work. Just use teams and email.

IP Phone -> Soft IP Phone --> No more phones for most users, lower cost, better security, better productivity (not what IT says but my own view).

 

[xiaofan]

My objective is simpler, just to continue using my existing non-VoLTE 4G devices, let them be still useful and relevant. You are pro user on another level.

This one -- the telco will not really care...

Just move forward and get a new phone...

 

[A7997A]

For business, company should have arrangement as the cost can be higher.

I used to have a company iPhone on Singtel Combo 3 plan (late 2016 to early 2018) and roaming voice call was allowed for business reasons, even the cost was pretty high.

But thanks for the explanations.

BTW, we have no more VoIP phones now at work. Just use teams and email.

IP Phone -> Soft IP Phone --> No more phones for most users, lower cost, better security, better productivity (not what IT says but my own view).

Some company can be cheapskate, or one might be operating in a manner not supported by the company.
Teams is effective still a VoIP/Soft IP phone in another form.