Eight Telecom discussion thread

[BBCWatcher]

Eh I merely correcting the portion on your reply mentioning one is able to send outgoing sms if you’re roaming on WiFi. I haven’t tried it myself and no plans or no needs to but acccording to FAQ, just take a look at the quote I pasted from their site from your link. The last bullet point.
I’ll copy and paste again if you missed it. Cheers

Yes, I saw what you quoted. But that text doesn't specifically refer to VoWiFi. It's discussing service limitations while connected to roaming network partners.

VoWiFi is not dependent on the roaming partner's cellular network. It's not using the partner network at all — it works even in Airplane Mode, with your phone's cellular modem completely disabled. With VoWiFi you aren't roaming; your phone is "talking" to StarHub/Eight directly.

Hypothetically StarHub could apply an IP geolocation filter to block VoWiFi from non-Singaporean IP addresses. But StarHub doesn't publish any such limitation for their own plans, unlike M1 (which does).

These details need to be tested with real-world experiences. There are a few countries that block Internet traffic back to Singapore, so you'd have trouble in those places. Elsewhere, it should be fine, but "more reports needed."

 

[wjleong15]

Wondering whether can use eight esim on apple watch

 

[alvino]

Yes, I saw what you quoted. But that text doesn't specifically refer to VoWiFi. It's discussing service limitations while connected to roaming network partners.

VoWiFi is not dependent on the roaming partner's cellular network. It's not using the partner network at all — it works even in Airplane Mode, with your phone's cellular modem completely disabled. With VoWiFi you aren't roaming; your phone is "talking" to StarHub/Eight directly.

Hypothetically StarHub could apply an IP geolocation filter to block VoWiFi from non-Singaporean IP addresses. But StarHub doesn't publish any such limitation for their own plans, unlike M1 (which does).

These details need to be tested with real-world experiences. There are a few countries that block Internet traffic back to Singapore, so you'd have trouble in those places. Elsewhere, it should be fine, but "more reports needed."

I already knew that. it’s basic networking and some read ups. Appreciate for reiterating it.

So you’re saying for eight plans while we are roaming we ARE ABLE to send out sms(as long we have internet access) despite Eight’s faq said “our plans do not include outgoing international SMS from a roaming destination”

 

[BBCWatcher]

So you’re saying for eight plans while we are roaming we ARE ABLE to send out sms(as long we have internet access) despite Eight’s faq said “our plans do not include outgoing international SMS from a roaming destination”

I think the best characterization at this point in time is that there aren't many reports, but so far we haven't seen reports that Eight is blocking or limiting VoWiFi if you happen to be overseas.

VoWiFi isn't "from a roaming destination." It's not roaming, not technically.

Eight doesn't mention VoWiFi at all on their Web site, but there are reports it's available to Eight subscribers. StarHub (Eight's parent) describes VoWiFi at some length in their terms of service for StarHub plans, but conspicuously (and unlike M1) they make no mention of any effort to block or limit VoWiFi based on a device's physical location. Given the rest of the language it's reasonable to assume StarHub would've mentioned any such restriction or limitation.

 

[JAYSCS]

I already knew that. it’s basic networking and some read ups. Appreciate for reiterating it.

So you’re saying for eight plans while we are roaming we ARE ABLE to send out sms(as long we have internet access) despite Eight’s faq said “our plans do not include outgoing international SMS from a roaming destination”

I would find it impossible for sending global SMS from roaming countries even via VoWifi cos there is no SMS charging structure for such outgoing SMS in overseas hence no infrastructure system in Eight Mobile, unlike Starhub? I am not sure as this might be a bit too technical.

 

[alvino]

I would find it impossible for sending global SMS from roaming countries even via VoWifi cos there is no SMS charging structure for such outgoing SMS in overseas hence no infrastructure system in Eight Mobile, unlike Starhub? I am not sure as this might be a bit too technical.

haha I thought so too. Nevermind best way is to write to eight and ask. Imma do that later. Will update here.

 

[alvino]

I would find it impossible for sending global SMS from roaming countries even via VoWifi cos there is no SMS charging structure for such outgoing SMS in overseas hence no infrastructure system in Eight Mobile, unlike Starhub? I am not sure as this might be a bit too technical.

Receiving an SMS text message while roaming overseas is never chargeable. Mobile network roaming partners are not available everywhere, and some may not support SMS with Eight.

You can place and receive voice calls in select countries/territories where Eight's mobile network partner supports VoLTE, or when you're connected to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network and have Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi) enabled. Where you can call and/or the number of voice minutes allotted is/are subject to certain limitations that can vary by plan.

You cannot send outgoing SMS text messages when you're outside Singapore unless you're connected to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network and have enabled Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi).

All of these details, and more, are available on Eight's Web site.

So eight replied me at 1am SGT. impressive. that clears it. No outgoing sms while roaming. I just need to correct the wrong being reported. Nothing personal

Thank you for reaching out.

You are correct to refer to the FAQ. While you are overseas (including roaming destinations such as Malaysia), incoming SMS can be received as usual.

However, please note that our current plans do not support outgoing international SMS from a roaming destination. This means you will not be able to send SMS to Singapore or other international recipients while roaming.

If you need to contact others while overseas, we recommend using internet-based messaging apps such as WhatsApp or similar services instead.
If you have any further questions, feel free to let us know.

 

[BBCWatcher]

So eight replied me at 1am SGT. impressive. that clears it. No outgoing sms while roaming.

You're not "roaming" with VoWiFi! This is a VoWiFi question, not a roaming question. How about just trying it and reporting back? Here's how:

1. Activate VoWiFi ("Wi-Fi Calling") on your phone while in Singapore.
2. Turn on Airplane Mode.
3. Test placing a voice call, receiving a voice call, sending an SMS text message (to a +65 number), receiving a text message. If that works, then...
4. Take the bus to Johor Bahru (for example).
5. Connect to a Wi-Fi network in a coffee shop in Malaysia (for example). Keep the phone in Airplane Mode.
6. Repeat Step #3.
7. Post a follow up message here with the results.

With a little bit of technical skill you could use a VPN (in a travel wireless router, for example) back to Singapore, then VoWiFi over that. But that's only relevant if Eight/StarHub applies IP address-based blocks. Or you could do the reverse: connect the phone via Wi-Fi to a network that appears to exit onto the Internet in Malaysia (for example), then try voice and SMS services while in Airplane Mode.

 

[alvino]

You're not "roaming" with VoWiFi! This is a VoWiFi question, not a roaming question. How about just trying it and reporting back? Here's how:

1. Activate VoWiFi ("Wi-Fi Calling") on your phone while in Singapore.
2. Turn on Airplane Mode.
3. Test placing a voice call, receiving a voice call, sending an SMS text message (to a +65 number), receiving a text message. If that works, then...
4. Take the bus to Johor Bahru (for example).
5. Connect to a Wi-Fi network in a coffee shop in Malaysia (for example). Keep the phone in Airplane Mode.
6. Repeat Step #3.
7. Post a follow up message here with the results.

With a little bit of technical skill you could use a VPN (in a travel wireless router, for example) back to Singapore, then VoWiFi over that. But that's only relevant if Eight/StarHub applies IP address-based blocks. Or you could do the reverse: connect the phone via Wi-Fi to a network that appears to exit onto the Internet in Malaysia (for example), then try voice and SMS services while in Airplane Mode.

If you are suggesting a workaround, good if it works. I've mentioned in one of my past replies i have no need for it and just curious if i can do it like a normal user. So now that i know you're guessing it MIGHT work, will let someone else who needs this sms outgoing sending function test it out.

I already spent too much time entertaining this issue i dont even need. cheers

 

[jasonsouza77]

for eight 5g plan, when roaming to malaysia, will it be 5g as well? has anyone tested the speed if this is so? thanks

 

[AMD_Duron]

for eight 5g plan, when roaming to malaysia, will it be 5g as well? has anyone tested the speed if this is so? thanks

Most times depends on the roaming partner you are connected to. Personal experience is mostly 4G unless at shopping malls. 5G speed don’t expect to be SG level.

 

[jasonsouza77]

Most times depends on the roaming partner you are connected to. Personal experience is mostly 4G unless at shopping malls. 5G speed don’t expect to be SG level.

ok thx

 

[Honda_typeR]

Just curious if you are on eight 4g local, overseas you only can 4g or 5g as well?

 

[everex]

Based on my experience, as I also needed to send out SMS overseas:
1. No SMS out while overseas
2. No SMS out to international number even while in SG

This is the reason I had to use another line for some bank apps that require international SMS sending.

 

[xiaofan]

Based on my experience, as I also needed to send out SMS overseas:
1. No SMS out while overseas
2. No SMS out to international number even while in SG

This is the reason I had to use another line for some bank apps that require international SMS sending.

Interesting.

What is the other line you are using?

Maybe the new Starhub Prepaid plans can be an option as it supports 50 roaming SMS. Probably can send SMS in Singapore as well (but need to check).
https://www.starhub.com/personal/mobile/starhub-prepaid.html

I only have the older Starhub Prepaid S 5G plan (three lines, one at regular S$10 per month, two at special S$3 per month Happy Prepaid Migration offer in Nov 2025). They do not have much roaming bundle.

 

[Honda_typeR]

Based on my experience, as I also needed to send out SMS overseas:
1. No SMS out while overseas
2. No SMS out to international number even while in SG

This is the reason I had to use another line for some bank apps that require international SMS sending.

that means for eight iphones users cannot use imessage or facetime?

i rmb crappy apple has this global sms activation thing.

 

[everex]

Interesting.

What is the other line you are using?

Am using my M1 line for sending out international SMS.

 

[BBCWatcher]

that means for eight iphones users cannot use imessage or facetime?

iPhones with Eight SIMs/eSIMs can activate and use iMessage, FaceTime, and WhatsApp. No issues there.

i rmb crappy apple has this global sms activation thing.

However they work technically, those services work.

 

[BBCWatcher]

Based on my experience, as I also needed to send out SMS overseas:
1. No SMS out while overseas

Did you try sending an SMS to a +65 number while overseas via VoWiFi (activated in Singapore, and in Airplane Mode to assure you’re using it)?

2. No SMS out to international number even while in SG
This is the reason I had to use another line for some bank apps that require international SMS sending.

Which bank apps? Any examples?

 

[hereiam7788]

that means for eight iphones users cannot use imessage or facetime?

i rmb crappy apple has this global sms activation thing.

no. confirmed can. and it is FREE. other MVNOs will charge for this activation.