⚡️💻 README First! How to Select Low Cost SIM Only Plans in Singapore? ✨

[xiaofan]

The following video talks about VoNR, but the beginning introduction portions show that VoLTE deployment (still rising) is lagging significantly behind 4G LTE network deployment (kind of saturated).

BTW, it will be the same for VoNR which will lag behind 5G SA deployment.

The video is not that technical so you can watch it even if not tech savvy.

 

[xiaofan]

Singapore is of course much faster than US in terms of migration to fully 5G SA for consumer 5G mobile offerings by killing NSA.

US is much slower, only T-Mobile is more aggressive in pushing 5G SA. And interestingly it is also pushing to shut down the 4G LTE network gradually and leave only 5MHz spectrums for 4G a few years down the road (one article says 2028). This will make users of old 4G mobile phone much worse. Then 4G LTE network will completely shut down in 2035.

But AT&T and Verizon are much smaller in deployment of 5G SA. They may keep 4G LTE longer as well.

Reference:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/t-mob...to-phase-out-4g-what-it-means-for-your-phone/

I guess Singapore telcos may be similar to T-Mobile to shut down of 4G LTE network in 2035, or maybe even earlier. 6G is on the horizon now, says to be as early as 2028 or latest in 2030.

 

[xiaofan]

As of now, only Eight and SIMBA offer free voice roaming.

Here are more info about the differences between the two.

Edit: the new StarHub 5G Unlimited+ no contract SIM Only plans (not including 5G Lite plan) and 5G Platinum plans also support free voice roaming. But they are much more expensive, starting at S$38 per month with 5G Unlimited+ Core plan.

Take note Eight and SIMBA free roaming Voices but they not include sending SMS during roaming.

1. Eight FAQ
https://www.eight.com.sg/faq-network-roaming-and-idd

• Does roaming covers calls and SMS?
  Absolutely! Our plans include 288 minutes of roaming calls—whether you’re calling back to Singapore or making local calls in the country you’re visiting.
  • To ensure smooth calling, check the “Network Operator (VoLTE Calls)” column in our roaming guide.
  • For example: In Malaysia, connect to MAXIS/UMOBILE/CELCOM to enjoy VoLTE calls and stay in touch with home.
  • For SMS, there will be no issues to receive OTP, but our plans do not include outgoing international SMS at the moment.

2. SIMBA FAQ
https://support.simba.sg/hc/en-us/articles/4487047558681-Does-roaming-cover-calls-and-SMS

Does roaming cover calls and SMS?​

• 1 year ago
• Updated

Besides data roaming, SIMBA subscribers can enjoy calls to and from Singapore without any roaming charges.
You won’t longer need to reject incoming calls when you are travelling abroad with SIMBA.

Voice Calls
1. Calls to and from Singapore do not have additional roaming charges.
2. Outgoing calls to any Singapore mobile number is free, while outgoing calls to a Singapore fixed line will be deducted from the plan’s Local Fixed Line Minutes allowance (Please add +65 if you are making calls to Singapore while roaming)
3. Outgoing calls to local numbers of the destination you visit is supported. You can either purchase a SIMBA Super IDD Pack or deduct from SIMBA Wallet based on prevailing IDD rates.

SMS
Incoming SMSs are free. Outgoing SMSs are not supported while roaming.

 

[A7997A]

2. SIMBA FAQ
https://support.simba.sg/hc/en-us/articles/4487047558681-Does-roaming-cover-calls-and-SMS

Does roaming cover calls and SMS?​

Besides data roaming, SIMBA subscribers can enjoy calls to and from Singapore without any roaming charges.
You won’t longer need to reject incoming calls when you are travelling abroad with SIMBA.

Voice Calls
1. Calls to and from Singapore do not have additional roaming charges.
2. Outgoing calls to any Singapore mobile number is free, while outgoing calls to a Singapore fixed line will be deducted from the plan’s Local Fixed Line Minutes allowance (Please add +65 if you are making calls to Singapore while roaming)
3. Outgoing calls to local numbers of the destination you visit is supported. You can either purchase a SIMBA Super IDD Pack or deduct from SIMBA Wallet based on prevailing IDD rates.

The last part is what I am wondering :
I recall making a local outbound call in Taiwan last year, but Taiwan isn't on the list of free IDD countries, and I don't have any credits nor purchased IDD pack.

How did the call went through ?

 

[Fellowes]

@xiaofan why don't you request to sticky this thread to the main MCT forum page? Easier to find.

 

[xiaofan]

@xiaofan why don't you request to sticky this thread to the main MCT forum page? Easier to find.

Requested earlier @Vulpix but he is probably busy.

Now I will request again.

@Intrinion @Vulpix and @siandiao
It will be greatly appreciated if you can make this thread sticky. Thanks.

 

[nusgjf]

Hi xiaofan. Thanks for you great work in compiling this all-in-one thread for us cheapos.

Just want to ask if this MR plan is still available? No seeing it when I went to that link. Thanks.
--------------------
MyRepublic 5G --> minimum at S$9.99 per month
https://myrepublic.net/sg/5g/

 

[xiaofan]

Hi xiaofan. Thanks for you great work in compiling this all-in-one thread for us cheapos.

Just want to ask if this MR plan is still available? No seeing it when I went to that link. Thanks.
--------------------
MyRepublic 5G --> minimum at S$9.99 per month
https://myrepublic.net/sg/5g/

Ah, this offer is gone.

Offer info archived here, promo code "JUSTRYLAH".

18 June 2025 onwards: MyRepublic Singapore, 5G Sign-Up Promotion – Enjoy Free 1st Month & Only $9.99 for 2nd Month with Ju$tryLah Code
https://sg.everydayonsales.com/18-j...h-only-9-99-for-2nd-month-with-jutrylah-code/

 

[Igene]

Nowadays all SIM only plan has not lesser than 100GB data one.
Any of this their app can turn the data on and off as and when needed? For example control kids usage.

 

[gapboy]

Nowadays all SIM only plan has not lesser than 100GB data one.
Any of this their app can turn the data on and off as and when needed? For example control kids usage.

For Samsung phones example .. are you referring to this? https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10003399/

Different brand phone makers offer different thing... not sure any 3rd party app available in google store.

 

[nusgjf]

I was quite tempted by the Singtel CIS $19 something "5G+ enhanced" plan (currently with M1 Maxx so cannot get those better ST recontract deals). Almost jumped ship to it but at checkout, I was shocked by the $21.8 physical SIM delivery fee (My phone is Pixel 7, normal 1 pSim + 1 eSIM one. For me the eSIM is dedicated for travel so local sim no choice has to be physical if I need both at standby while traveling. Really would like pure eSIM dual standby phones like the US Pixels to be the mainstream going forward so physical sim delivery fees can go to hell for good). If the delivery fee was $5 or below I might have bitten the bullet but 21.8? No freaking way! Singtel couriers drive Rolls-Royce to deliver meh?

Ended up going with CMLink instead for its more straightforward 50% rebate structure. Searched up and down but didn't see any mentioning of delivery fees. Hopefully that means there's none. lol

 

[gapboy]

I was quite tempted by the Singtel CIS $19 something "5G+ enhanced" plan (currently with M1 Maxx so cannot get those better ST recontract deals). Almost jumped ship to it but at checkout, I was shocked by the $21.8 physical SIM delivery fee (My phone is Pixel 7, normal 1 pSim + 1 eSIM one. For my the eSIM is dedicated for travel so local sim no choice has to be physical if I need both at standby while traveling. Really would like pure eSIM dual standby phones like the US Pixels to be the mainstream going forward so physical sim delivery fees can go to hell for good). If the delivery fee was $5 or below I might have bit the bullet but 21.8? No freaking way! Singtel couriers drive Rolls-Royce to deliver meh?

Ended up going with CMLink instead for its more straightforward 50% rebate structure. Searched up and down but didn't see any mentioning of delivery fees. Hopefully that means it's not there. lol

Maybe can get the SIM at Singtel shop for free

 

[nusgjf]

Maybe can get the SIM at Singtel shop for free

Ah, you may be right. I haven't thought of that. Maybe next time then.

 

[xiaofan]

Modified Post #5 in the first page to include SIM Only plans for seniors.

I am not yet qualified.

 

[shinigamis]

Hi Xiaofan, thank you so much for creating this thread and also the broadband ones! Helped me a lot deciding which to recontract!

I am currently using Singtel Hi Prepaid $15 monthly and thinking to change to SIM only plan so that I can get an esim. I saw that you mentioned about Starhub Prepaid (which is postpaid https://www.starhub.com/personal/mobile/starhub-prepaid.html), any idea if they offer esim as well or it's only physical sim?
I was thinking to get Starhub Prepaid instead of the 5G Lite as its cheaper and offer more data also more data roaming..

 

[xiaofan]

Hi Xiaofan, thank you so much for creating this thread and also the broadband ones! Helped me a lot deciding which to recontract!

I am currently using Singtel Hi Prepaid $15 monthly and thinking to change to SIM only plan so that I can get an esim. I saw that you mentioned about Starhub Prepaid (which is postpaid https://www.starhub.com/personal/mobile/starhub-prepaid.html), any idea if they offer esim as well or it's only physical sim?
I was thinking to get Starhub Prepaid instead of the 5G Lite as its cheaper and offer more data also more data roaming..

I believe they do not have eSIM support as it is not mentioned in the product page and FAQ. You can double confirm with Starhub.
https://www.starhub.com/personal/mobile/prepaid-star-plan.html#faq

Why not consider Eight 5G at S$14.80 per month which offers more data roaming and free voice roaming. Eight is wholy-owned by Starhub and use Starhub network.
https://www.eight.com.sg/

Eight 588GB 5G Plan​

S$14.80/30 days​

​

588GB Data​

28GB APAC Roaming​

8GB Intl Roaming​

688 Mins Local Talktime​

388 IDD Mins (Excl. Myanmar)​

88 IDD Mins (Myanmar)​

128 Local SMS​

I think this is better than Starhub Prepaid M plan at S$15 per month.

Start Prepaid M​

S$15 per month​

​

250 GB​

1000 local mins​

Up to 500 IDD mins*​

3GB Roaming Data to 6 Destinations (Bangladesh/ China/ India/ Indonesia/ Malaysia/ Philippines)​

FREE incoming calls​

FREE Caller Number Display​

500 sms​

​

 

[shinigamis]

I believe they do not have eSIM support as it is not mentioned in the product page and FAQ. You can double confirm with Starhub.
https://www.starhub.com/personal/mobile/prepaid-star-plan.html#faq

Why not consider Eight 5G at S$14.80 per month which offers more data roaming and free voice roaming. Eight is wholy-owned by Starhub and use Starhub network.
https://www.eight.com.sg/

Eight 588GB 5G Plan​

S$14.80/30 days​

​

588GB Data​

28GB APAC Roaming​

8GB Intl Roaming​

688 Mins Local Talktime​

388 IDD Mins (Excl. Myanmar)​

88 IDD Mins (Myanmar)​

128 Local SMS​

I think this is better than Starhub Prepaid M plan at S$15 per month.

Start Prepaid M​

S$15 per month​

​

250 GB​

1000 local mins​

Up to 500 IDD mins*​

3GB Roaming Data to 6 Destinations (Bangladesh/ China/ India/ Indonesia/ Malaysia/ Philippines)​

FREE incoming calls​

FREE Caller Number Display​

500 sms​

​

Thank you for the reply! Understand that eight is owned by Starhub and using Starhub network, however does the network coverage and quality is the same with Starhub? If yes, then I can try this

 

[xiaofan]

Thank you for the reply! Understand that eight is owned by Starhub and using Starhub network, however does the network coverage and quality is the same with Starhub? If yes, then I can try this

That is a good question.

I tend to think Eight 5G and Starhub Prepaid 5G have the same priority (lowest among Starhub 5G networks), lower than the new Starhub 5G Lite plan and other Starhub 5G Unlimited+ plans.

Starhub 5G Platinum plans >
Starhub 5G Unlimited+ plans >
Starhub 5G Lite plan >
giga 5G, CUniq 5G, Starhub Prepaid 5G and Eight 5G, MyRepublic 5G (??)

Take note redONE has no 5G offerings as of now.

Need to see if someone can find the QCI values for the above plans.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/qci-values-thread.6936478/

 

[xiaofan]

My guess on the Singtel side.

Singtel 5G + Priority >
Singtel 5G+ Enhanced >
Sintgel 5G+ (eg: Singtel S$15 SIM Only plan) >
Singtel Gomo 5G, and Singtel MVNO 5G (Zero1, Zym, VIVIFI and CMLink) once they get 5G SA. (??) >
Singtel hi! Prepaid 5G

Take note Singtel heya has no 5G offerings and the users will be converted to Singtel hi! 4G plans.

Again, need to see if someone can find the QCI values for the above plans.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/qci-values-thread.6936478/

 

[xiaofan]

My guess on the M1 side.

M1 Bespoke 5G >
Circles.Life 5G (??)>
M1 Maxx 5G >
M1 Prepaid 5G

Take note MyRepublic only uses M1 for its 4G plan.

Again, need to see if someone can find the QCI values for the above plans.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/qci-values-thread.6936478/