What I don’t like about eight and Giga is that when I go to my workplace, will either drop to one bar, or drop to 3G or even totally cannot connect. I work in MRT station behind at least 2 big metal doors. I’m think if I pay for premium network sure won’t have this problem.
Eight is riding on StarHub's 4G LTE network. Whatever coverage StarHub's 4G LTE network can deliver to your location to your device is what you're getting.
so irritating.. sometimes I make WhatsApp call then the network drop to 3G then other party cannot hear me even if WhatsApp call went through
Some phones may let you disable 3G. Or disable 5G for that matter. See if there are any such settings that might help. For Eight you just want the phone to stick to 4G (with VoLTE), at least for now. In the future they might add 5G.
If you have an iPhone you should try updating your network provider settings. See
here for instructions. Restart your iPhone after performing the update. In Android they're called carrier profile settings, probably under Settings -> More and Mobile Networks -> Carrier Settings -> Update Profile.
Some phones have more and better 4G LTE band coverage than others. The "low" bands (below 1000 MHz) are important for indoor coverage.
If you have Wi-Fi in your location then most phones support "Wi-Fi Assist" (iOS) and Wi-Fi Calling. That can help fill in some gaps. MRT stations (and other locations) often have Wireless@SG service that can help supplement cellular data networks.
Thought 3G closed if not closing already? So fear no more...
No, StarHub and Singtel still have their 3G networks lit up at least until November, 2024. They thought they could shift 3G users onto 4G (or higher), but they still need some more time. M1's 3G network should be shut down now.
I wish IMDA worked with at least one carrier to keep a minimal 2G service operating for emergency calls and such (with roaming privileges from the other carriers). A skeleton 2G network requires practically nothing in terms of spectrum, and 900 MHz GSM is really rather good in terms of indoor coverage. But I guess that's "water under the bridge."
Stick to your premium network then. Why pay even $1 if can hardly use?
There are only 4 "real" mobile network operators in Singapore. (Plus GRID is still operating their iDEN network as far as I know.) StarHub and M1 have combined forces to operate a single 5G network, so for 5G there are only 3 "real" networks. All the mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are riding on one of those 4 (or 3) actual networks.
Service
priorization can be different depending on which operator you choose, and which service plan. But network
coverage shouldn't be any different on a particular actual network.