SIMBA Telecom discussion thread

[firesong]

Topping up random amounts would still incur per transaction cost.

Normally even though it's a fix percentage payable to the payment provider, there's also the minimum cost per transaction payable.

Imagine someone used 10MB of roaming data by accident, clocking in $0.04.

Don't be surprised if someone were to topup this $0.04, it would cost SIMBA more than this $0.04 for transaction cost, making them lost money while doing so.

The costs are usually levied by their payment provider, but the destination for the transfers is ultimately their own internal financial accounts. Perhaps they could offer manual top-ups in person, bypassing their payment provider. Or offer another provider that leverages on our iFast bank transfer network like Paynow/PayLah. There's definitely a way to do it - if they had planned these things upfront. All they need is a clearly indicated destination account so the transfers go into the right user account.

It's far better than the poor guy who has $9.96 and can't use it, and has to consume another 2490MB of roaming data to clear that, or start spamming international SMSes (and risks his account being banned for that kind of spamming).

It might be cheaper for them to waive the 4c then.

As an aside, I'm not sure if it's even ethical or may have repercussions.
1) Monies are one way, users cannot withdraw.
2) Monies are tagged to the number and expire upon termination, whether initiated by user or telco for whatever reason.
3) No refunds given.

If users have no reasonable means to use their $9.96 because of their billing system's limitations, that's a company effectively stealing that money from their users as they can never get it back nor draw it down in a reasonable manner. Perhaps someone ought to write in to MAS and IMDA to clarify, because absorbing this kind of "float money" is not quite right. What if the person who put in the money was the low income folks like the foreign workers, where every cent counts?

 

[mosmos]

Yes I really wished they allow irregular amount top up or at least a one off, because I plan to port out but risk forfeiting my leftover balance in it..

Shopee qoo10 can topup $5, $18, see which one can minimise losses

 

[mosmos]

The costs are usually levied by their payment provider, but the destination for the transfers is ultimately their own internal financial accounts. Perhaps they could offer manual top-ups in person, bypassing their payment provider. Or offer another provider that leverages on our iFast bank transfer network like Paynow/PayLah. There's definitely a way to do it - if they had planned these things upfront. All they need is a clearly indicated destination account so the transfers go into the right user account.

It's far better than the poor guy who has $9.96 and can't use it, and has to consume another 2490MB of roaming data to clear that, or start spamming international SMSes (and risks his account being banned for that kind of spamming).

It might be cheaper for them to waive the 4c then.

As an aside, I'm not sure if it's even ethical or may have repercussions.
1) Monies are one way, users cannot withdraw.
2) Monies are tagged to the number and expire upon termination, whether initiated by user or telco for whatever reason.
3) No refunds given.

If users have no reasonable means to use their $9.96 because of their billing system's limitations, that's a company effectively stealing that money from their users as they can never get it back nor draw it down in a reasonable manner. Perhaps someone ought to write in to MAS and IMDA to clarify, because absorbing this kind of "float money" is not quite right. What if the person who put in the money was the low income folks like the foreign workers, where every cent counts?

Juz topup $18 + 18 + 5 = $41 at shopee or qoo10, that example guy only loss 0.96

 

[firesong]

Juz topup $18 + 18 + 5 = $41 at shopee or qoo10, that example guy only loss 0.96

It's still float money swallowed by the telco.

Whether $1 or $10, it's the principle of it all.

$1 may not mean anything to you, but to a worker it's rice + curry powder for 2-4 meals maybe. It's this kind of "$1? chump change" mindset that Prof Tommy Koh also refers to when he says more wealthy people "look down on the poor". These cheap high-data plans are the kind they subscribe to in order to keep in touch with their loved ones and consume their movies to entertain themselves cos they cannot afford to pay for other entertainment.

Moreover, they aren't the sort to have $18 + $18 to throw into a prepaid account long term. :/

 

[rider83]

Can I check with you guys why my LTE data is not working? I cannot surf web or send whatapps msg/call. APN has been set to TPG

However, i can call people using iphone original calling app using VOLTE.

Any idea what is wrong?

 

[boonkang]

It's still float money swallowed by the telco.

Whether $1 or $10, it's the principle of it all.

$1 may not mean anything to you, but to a worker it's rice + curry powder for 2-4 meals maybe. It's this kind of "$1? chump change" mindset that Prof Tommy Koh also refers to when he says more wealthy people "look down on the poor". These cheap high-data plans are the kind they subscribe to in order to keep in touch with their loved ones and consume their movies to entertain themselves cos they cannot afford to pay for other entertainment.

Moreover, they aren't the sort to have $18 + $18 to throw into a prepaid account long term. :/

Sorry IMHO, I think you got the principle wrong in this case.

Usage of the SIMBA account (wallet) is not compulsory.

If SIMBA force you to top up your SIMBA wallet in order to use their mobile service in S'pore -- then you can try your luck to go to IMDA to complain -- even if you left only $0.01 in the SIMBA wallet & you feel you can't withdraw or use the $0.01 balance.

You're FREE to treat the SIMBA wallet feature as something that don't exists -- and will not affect the usage of your SIMBA mobile plan in S'pore.

(Kindly note that not all telcos offer wallet feature for their mobile lines & people can continue to use their mobile lines even without any wallet feature.)

If don't like -- you can choose NOT TO USE the SIMBA account (wallet) feature.

See my post #3100 in this thread:

Top up to SIMBA account (wallet) is not compulsory.

If don't like -- you can treat this feature as something that does not exists (and don't top up any money into the SIMBA account).

Then there's completely no issue at all regarding excess usage charges -- because no excess usage is available since no money to deduct from the SIMBA account.

The payment (every 30days) for your SIMBA mobile plan can still deduct from your credit / debit card -- just like any other telco.

As mentioned, you can alway treat this SIMBA account (wallet) feature as something that does not exists -- and it will not affect the usage your SIMBA mobile ine.

 

[kelvinti]

Just saved a CC or DC for auto deduction! Simple!

No need to be so headache over such tiny thing.in your daily or so called "monthly" life.

 

[qsgsgs]

If SIMBA changes their plan to $9.99. Those with pre-loaded SIMBA wallets will forever have a residual amount in your wallet. Doesn't sound right. Best practice is just use CC or make payment only when it is due.

 

[firesong]

Sorry IMHO, I think you got the principle wrong in this case.

Usage of the SIMBA account (wallet) is not compulsory.

If SIMBA force you to top up your SIMBA wallet in order to use their mobile service in S'pore -- then you can try your luck to go to IMDA to complain -- even if you left only $0.01 in the SIMBA wallet & you feel you can't withdraw or use the $0.01 balance.

You're FREE to treat the SIMBA wallet feature as something that don't exists -- and will not affect the usage of your SIMBA mobile plan in S'pore.

(Kindly note that not all telcos offer wallet feature for their mobile lines & people can continue to use their mobile lines even without any wallet feature.)

If don't like -- you can choose NOT TO USE the SIMBA account (wallet) feature.

See my post #3100 in this thread:

I think you might have failed to appraise the situation.

I specifically mentioned FDWs because they don't necessarily have credit cards. Besides, for them the prepaid model is what they are familiar with at home.

Watch the video to understand.

Besides, the fact they offer the wallet means they have to offer a reasonable means to clear the wallet since they do not allow refunds. Like it or not, because they have it - the burden is on them, They can choose to cancel the wallet function, cut out a certain market, and there would be no issues. Your argument does not hold water simply because they DO offer the wallet.

 

[mosmos]

It's still float money swallowed by the telco.

Whether $1 or $10, it's the principle of it all.

$1 may not mean anything to you, but to a worker it's rice + curry powder for 2-4 meals maybe. It's this kind of "$1? chump change" mindset that Prof Tommy Koh also refers to when he says more wealthy people "look down on the poor". These cheap high-data plans are the kind they subscribe to in order to keep in touch with their loved ones and consume their movies to entertain themselves cos they cannot afford to pay for other entertainment.

Moreover, they aren't the sort to have $18 + $18 to throw into a prepaid account long term. :/

Hey but your example guy got money go overseas no money topup?

 

[mosmos]

I think you might have failed to appraise the situation.

I specifically mentioned FDWs because they don't necessarily have credit cards. Besides, for them the prepaid model is what they are familiar with at home.

Watch the video to understand.

Besides, the fact they offer the wallet means they have to offer a reasonable means to clear the wallet since they do not allow refunds. Like it or not, because they have it - the burden is on them, They can choose to cancel the wallet function, cut out a certain market, and there would be no issues. Your argument does not hold water simply because they DO offer the wallet.

I guess without debit/CC unable to subscribe TPG, since registration page need those details, $10 is charged when registering, even i subscribe senior account asked for it also

 

[mosmos]

If SIMBA changes their plan to $9.99. Those with pre-loaded SIMBA wallets will forever have a residual amount in your wallet. Doesn't sound right. Best practice is just use CC or make payment only when it is due.

Then those retailers will only top sgd9.99

Juz like zero1, they have sgd12 options

 

[lohsenglte]

I guess without debit/CC unable to subscribe TPG, since registration page need those details, $10 is charged when registering, even i subscribe senior account asked for it also

Cash option is available for quite some time alr.

Sign at shops directly.
My friend signed SIMBA SuperRoam using the cash option.

Cancel line by not paying.

 

[firesong]

I guess without debit/CC unable to subscribe TPG, since registration page need those details, $10 is charged when registering, even i subscribe senior account asked for it also

The in person registration at shops does not require you to have a card.

That's how there are accounts without cards on file.
https://www.simba.sg/walk-in

 

[firesong]

Hey but your example guy got money go overseas no money topup?

You do know that you can roam to overseas telcos while in Singapore?

You don't actually need to leave the country to incur roaming charges.

Those who have stayed at Punggol/Pasir Ris/Woodlands/Sembawang have first hand experience of this happening

 

[mosmos]

You do know that you can roam to overseas telcos while in Singapore?

You don't actually need to leave the country to incur roaming charges.

Those who have stayed at Punggol/Pasir Ris/Woodlands/Sembawang have first hand experience of this happening

only when I reached overseas then enable roaming, not sure why some keep it always on in sg, as if can connect to singtel or M1 or starhub

 

[mosmos]

The in person registration at shops does not require you to have a card.

That's how there are accounts without cards on file.
https://www.simba.sg/walk-in
View attachment 33231

so yours by card or by cash?

 

[lohsenglte]

only when I reached overseas then enable roaming, not sure why some keep it always on in sg, as if can connect to singtel or M1 or starhub

Sometimes the PPUR is enabled by default and the person don't know how to turn on and off.

Also, there's also occasions where the massive outage caused customers to auto roam even when far inland.

 

[firesong]

only when I reached overseas then enable roaming, not sure why some keep it always on in sg, as if can connect to singtel or M1 or starhub

I hope you're not saying "Just because I do, so the 8 billion other people in the world must follow what I do".

 

[mosmos]

I hope you're not saying "Just because I do, so the 8 billion other people in the world must follow what I do".

Tpg no 8 billion customers