Eight Telecom discussion thread

[xiaofan]

M1 maxx is better than Eight.

BTW, the feedbacks in the M1 Maxx thread do not seem to be positive.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/m1-maxx-maxx-sg-discussion.6729742/page-215

The users seem to move to Singtel based MVNOs like Zym/Zero1/VIVIFI/CMlink.

Anyway, I will still try out M1 Maxx and SIMBA in 2026, after testing out Eight 4G and Eight 5G.

 

[gapboy]

M1 and StarHub share the same underlying 5G infrastructure in Singapore. In 2020, they formed a joint venture called Antina Pte. Ltd. to build and operate a shared Radio Access Network (RAN).

5G network wise should be "Similiar"

 

[xiaofan]

M1 and StarHub share the same underlying 5G infrastructure in Singapore. In 2020, they formed a joint venture called Antina Pte. Ltd. to build and operate a shared Radio Access Network (RAN).

5G network wise should be "Similiar"

So M1 Maxx 5G is basically the same as Eight 5G. But then M1 Maxx 4G LTE fallback will not be as good as Eight 5G plan.

That is why I will prefer Eight 5G plan than M1 Maxx if I need to really use the plan.

But since now I am just testing non-Singtel networks, I just try the cheaper Eight 4G first, then Eight 5G, later I will also try M1 Maxx and SIMBA as well.

A bit lazy to carry out two phones so I have to test one by one. My Poco X7 Pro is a good phone but it does not support eSIM.

 

[froztheart]

Good point. I probably made the wrong choice. Let's see how it goes.

BTW, my Poco X7 Pro does not support eSIM.

https://www.mi.com/global/support/faq/details/KA-529433/

Does the POCO X7 Pro support eSIM?​

The POCO X7 Pro doesn’t support eSIM.

For your reference, here is more information about eSIM:
1. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM technology that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. It is built directly into the device’s hardware, allowing you to activate a cellular plan without inserting a physical card;
2. eSIM enables quick and easy switching between carriers and supports multiple profiles, making it a convenient choice;
3. However, the inclusion of eSIM requires additional hardware integration and software compatibility. It also depends on whether your carrier can offer eSIM or not.

Yes, SG local set POCO does not support eSIM.
But eSIM seems to be available on POCO devices in other regions from what I came across previously.
IIRC it was EU sets that supports eSIM and not anywhere else.

 

[Cedric7]

So M1 Maxx 5G is basically the same as Eight 5G. But then M1 Maxx 4G LTE fallback will not be as good as Eight 5G plan.

That is why I will prefer Eight 5G plan than M1 Maxx if I need to really use the plan.

But since now I am just testing non-Singtel networks, I just try the cheaper Eight 4G first, then Eight 5G, later I will also try M1 Maxx and SIMBA as well.

A bit lazy to carry out two phones so I have to test one by one. My Poco X7 Pro is a good phone but it does not support eSIM.

Just share for eight 5G, certain areas are not stable. The 5G is slow and 4G is even faster lol. For example at paya lebar area

 

[xiaofan]

Just share for eight 5G, certain areas are not stable. The 5G is slow and 4G is even faster lol. For example at paya lebar area

Same for Singtel 5G. I have tested such cases.

5G NSA could be faster than 5G SA in certain cases.

4G LTE-A could be faster than 5G NSA in certain cases.

4G LTE is usually slow.

But in most cases, from fast to slow, 5G SA, 5G NSA, 4G LTE-A and last 4G LTE.

 

[xiaofan]

Eight FAQ says no port-in from StarHub prepaid. They can accept M1/SingTel Prepaid.

https://www.eight.com.sg/faq-port-in

Can I port my existing Prepaid plan to eight?

Good news! Port your postpaid or prepaid plans to eight and enjoy our great value and reliable service. Starhub prepaid port-in is not available.

new starhub prepaid allows up to 10 lines, it is not a real prepaid, maybe will check with eight.

Good point.

When my Eight SIM Card gets activated next week, I will ask Eight.

Before I ask Eight, just wondering if anyone here has directly port-in from the new StarHub Prepaid S plan (existing StarHub Prepaid Card customers are being migrated to this new plan gradually in 2025). Thanks.

StarHub Prepaid plans: postpaid plans in disguise (just longer grace period of 120 days so potentially okay for number parking purpose)

https://www.starhub.com/personal/mobile/starhub-prepaid.html

StarHub Prepaid S Plan
80 GB 5G Data
500 local mins
Up to 100 IDD mins*
1GB Roaming Data to Malaysia
S$10 per month

FREE incoming calls
FREE Caller Number Display
200 sms

*IDD Destinations : Bangladesh/ China/ India/ Indonesia/ Malaysia/ Philippines

 

[Cedric7]

Same for Singtel 5G. I have tested such cases.

5G NSA could be faster than 5G SA in certain cases.

4G LTE-A could be faster than 5G NSA in certain cases.

4G LTE is usually slow.

But in most cases, from fast to slow, 5G SA, 5G NSA, 4G LTE-A and last 4G LTE.

Didn't know there's 4G LTE-A. What does the A mean?

 

[xiaofan]

Didn't know there's 4G LTE-A. What does the A mean?

LTE Advanced, or LTE+.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_Advanced?wprov=sfla1

My Poco X7 Pro will display different icons when connect to different Singtel Mobile networks.

5G+: 5G SA
5G: 5G NSA
4G+: 4G LTE Advanced
4G: 4G LTE.

Last time I had Samsung Galaxy S4 with LTE+, one of the earliest phone with LTE-A support (the first commercially available model). Original version of Galaxy S4 does not support LTE-A.
https://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9506_galaxy_s4-5542.php
https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2...advanced-carrier-aggregation-powered-qualcomm

Take note Apple iPhones do not display 5G+ or 4G+.

Apple iPhones:
5G icon for 5G SA and NSA
LTE icon for 4G LTE-A and 4G LTE

 

[GrandJedi]

There's what I did for my recent trip to China. Towards the end of SEP, I upgraded plan to the $11.80, it auto kicked in after SEP plan expired. Now that I'm back in SG, I made payment for Nov to revert back to $8 plan, which will kick in once October plan expires. You submit anytime but the change will only occur next cycle.

Cannot upgrade mid-cycle? What to do if you run out of data while roaming?

Eg. I am on the $8 plan (2GB international roaming free).
I happen to be in UAE, I need to add-on and each GB of data is $18.88/GB)?
https://www.eight.com.sg/roaming
https://www.eight.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/eight-Roaming-Destinations-24062025.pdf

Is my understanding correct?

 

[sibeiTrolled]

Cannot upgrade mid-cycle? What to do if you run out of data while roaming?

Upgrade is instant, don't need to wait and it override your existing cycle

Once the upgrade is activated, your current plan will be immediately terminated and replaced with the new one.
Please note that plan upgrades are billed in full and we are unable to reverse transactions for terminated or stacked plans, nor can we reinstate previously held plans.

Downgrade have to wait for existing plan to end first

Your current plan will continue until the end of its 30-day cycle, after which the downgraded plan will begin. All plans are non-reversible and refundable.

https://www.eight.com.sg/faq-renew-recharge-and-billing

 

[sibeiTrolled]

Eg. I am on the $8 plan (2GB international roaming free).
I happen to be in UAE, I need to add-on and each GB of data is $18.88/GB)?
https://www.eight.com.sg/roaming
https://www.eight.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/eight-Roaming-Destinations-24062025.pdf

Is my understanding correct?

UAE or united arab emirates is not covered under the free international roaming that is part of the plan
UAE is Group C, while the free or the SGD 3.88/GB package is Group A

Yes, you have to pay 18.88 SGD per GB if you wish to roam with EIGHT

Simplified --
8 SGD Plan
10 GB APAC
2 GB intl roaming ( Group A + APAC)

Want roam in UAE, pay 18.88 SGD per GB as it is Group C

 

[sibeiTrolled]

I follow this.. Then why would anyone want to pay $18.88/GB for data roaming add-on???

An option is an option.
If you think it's absurd, it might be. But there will be people who might need it for business travels or w/e they are doing there.

Willing buyer, willing seller. Vice Versa

EDIT - and niche countries like group C and D tend to cost more anyways if you buy roaming data from local telcos

 

[GrandJedi]

UAE or united arab emirates is not covered under the free international roaming that is part of the plan
UAE is Group C, while the free or the SGD 3.88/GB package is Group A

Yes, you have to pay 18.88 SGD per GB if you wish to roam with EIGHT

Simplified --
8 SGD Plan
10 GB APAC
2 GB intl roaming ( Group A + APAC)

Want roam in UAE, pay 18.88 SGD per GB as it is Group C

Thanks for the clarification.. where does it say the free international roaming in the plans are only for Group A countries (I must have missed it)?

 

[sibeiTrolled]

Thanks for the clarification.. where does it say the free international roaming in the plans are only for Group A countries (I must have missed it)?

https://www.eight.com.sg/roaming

International Roaming (Group A)
(Part of $5/$8/$11.80/$18 Plan)
Purchase add-on: $3.88/GB

 

[GrandJedi]

https://www.eight.com.sg/roaming

International Roaming (Group A)
(Part of $5/$8/$11.80/$18 Plan)
Purchase add-on: $3.88/GB

Thank you so much for the clarifications. If am on the $8 plan and run out of free data in a Group A country, it would likely make more sense to upgrade to $12 plan than buy add on data at $3.88/Gb.

 

[sibeiTrolled]

Thank you so much for the clarifications. If am on the $8 plan and run out of free data in a Group A country, it would likely make more sense to upgrade to $12 plan than buy add on data at $3.88/Gb.

Yes, this is the move that makes alot of sense.
And that was what i planned to do for my overseas trip but then EIGHT went ahead and released 5G and so i upgraded earlier....

Though there might be exceptions, like users who dosen't really use that much data on the road or just depend on wifi they found and sucessfully connected to or peeps who just renewed their plan and didn't want to cough up another 12 SGD

Either way, i personally won't use EIGHT roaming after my short trip in EU this month.
I would just stick to providers that routes in the EU if i am going again.

But hey, at least this free intl roaming exist and usable for non APAC countries in Group A

 

[BBCWatcher]

Thank you so much for the clarifications. If am on the $8 plan and run out of free data in a Group A country, it would likely make more sense to upgrade to $12 plan than buy add on data at $3.88/Gb.

Maybe it would make sense, maybe it won’t. It’s a choice. The key constraint with buying a new 30 day plan is that it immediately ends (without refund or credit) whatever current 30 day plan you’re on.

If your phone supports eSIMs, another choice is to buy additional data from anyone that sells eSIMs. And of course another choice is reducing your data usage at least when you travel so that you don’t consume more than the $8 plan includes.

 

[auriga]

Having some issues in Taiwan from yesterday.
I have been in Taiwan for over a week.
Initially was working well, but from yesterday it's showing no signal (circle with a bar across)

When I restart or switch airplane mode, it'll have one or two bars of signal but after a minute or so it'll drop off completely.

I have tried removing the SIM card and replacing it. No difference.
If I try to select network manually it comes up with error before even display the available networks.

Any ideas?

 

[A7997A]

Having some issues in Taiwan from yesterday.
I have been in Taiwan for over a week.
Initially was working well, but from yesterday it's showing no signal (circle with a bar across)

When I restart or switch airplane mode, it'll have one or two bars of signal but after a minute or so it'll drop off completely.

I have tried removing the SIM card and replacing it. No difference.
If I try to select network manually it comes up with error before even display the available networks.

Any ideas?

Did you check if your plan expired ? or finish up your quota ?