SIMBA Telecom discussion thread

[xiaofan]

Currently in China, have to simba Sim cards in my s25 ultra.

Sim 1 is my main, postpaid.
Sim 2 is my sub, pre-paid.

Sim 1 auto connected to China telecom. But I want to use my Sim 2's 3gb free roaming first then turn it off and use Sim 1.

However, I encountered issue whereby Sim 2 will randomly show "updating Sim data", the whole network drops to no network, then after awhile comes back on again.

Then I went to see the APN, Sim 2 becomes "Orange" APN. Then I manually added tpg, still doesn't work. Have to turn off Sim and back on, then wait awhile it comes back. But 5 minutes later, drops off again and goes back to "Orange"..


My Sim 1 doesnt have this issue.

Tried with purely Sim 2 on, or purely Sim 1 on, or both on. Sim 2 keeps giving issue even if reset APN, still shows "orange". But after it auto connect, shows Simba APN. But will drop off totally and back to orange.

Anybody knows any fix?

Swap the SIM Card and then see if that helps.

Two potential issues.
1) SIMBA Prepaid got lower priority than SIMBA Postpaid when roaming (and probably in Singapore too)
2) Phone compatibility issue with SIMBA for SIM 2.

 

[loganrunning]

Currently in China, have to simba Sim cards in my s25 ultra.

Sim 1 is my main, postpaid.
Sim 2 is my sub, pre-paid.

Sim 1 auto connected to China telecom. But I want to use my Sim 2's 3gb free roaming first then turn it off and use Sim 1.

However, I encountered issue whereby Sim 2 will randomly show "updating Sim data", the whole network drops to no network, then after awhile comes back on again.

Then I went to see the APN, Sim 2 becomes "Orange" APN. Then I manually added tpg, still doesn't work. Have to turn off Sim and back on, then wait awhile it comes back. But 5 minutes later, drops off again and goes back to "Orange"..


My Sim 1 doesnt have this issue.

Tried with purely Sim 2 on, or purely Sim 1 on, or both on. Sim 2 keeps giving issue even if reset APN, still shows "orange". But after it auto connect, shows Simba APN. But will drop off totally and back to orange.

Anybody knows any fix?

orange is a known problem, it's in the faq

 

[username03]

orange is a known problem, it's in the faq

But the faq solution is only to do some basic stuffs. Doesn't fix the problem right

 

[xiaofan]

But the faq solution is only to do some basic stuffs. Doesn't fix the problem right

Have you tried the solution? Does it fix the issue?
https://support.simba.sg/hc/en-us/articles/4486141071129-Why-do-I-see-Orange-World

How to manual select APN?
https://support.simba.sg/hc/en-us/articles/4415873363225-What-is-the-APN-Setting-for-SIMBA

 

[dilphinus]

Have not been back to SG much this year. Any promo for top-up? Running low on credit!

 

[twosix]

Currently in China, have to simba Sim cards in my s25 ultra.

Sim 1 is my main, postpaid.
Sim 2 is my sub, pre-paid.

Sim 1 auto connected to China telecom. But I want to use my Sim 2's 3gb free roaming first then turn it off and use Sim 1.

However, I encountered issue whereby Sim 2 will randomly show "updating Sim data", the whole network drops to no network, then after awhile comes back on again.

Then I went to see the APN, Sim 2 becomes "Orange" APN. Then I manually added tpg, still doesn't work. Have to turn off Sim and back on, then wait awhile it comes back. But 5 minutes later, drops off again and goes back to "Orange"..


My Sim 1 doesnt have this issue.

Tried with purely Sim 2 on, or purely Sim 1 on, or both on. Sim 2 keeps giving issue even if reset APN, still shows "orange". But after it auto connect, shows Simba APN. But will drop off totally and back to orange.

Anybody knows any fix?

Turn off sim1?

 

[gapboy]

Have not been back to SG much this year. Any promo for top-up? Running low on credit!

Too late ! wait for year end

 

[username03]

Have you tried the solution? Does it fix the issue?
https://support.simba.sg/hc/en-us/articles/4486141071129-Why-do-I-see-Orange-World

How to manual select APN?
https://support.simba.sg/hc/en-us/articles/4415873363225-What-is-the-APN-Setting-for-SIMBA

Tried this. Restarted phone etc also.

Turn off sim1?

Yes, even only Sim 2, it still repeats the same thing. Keep total no network, then updating Sim data, back to orange. Despite me manual adding tpg apn

 

[xiaofan]

SingTel MVNOs are expected to get 5G SA soon.

What about SIMBA? Right now it seems to me SIMBA is still running on 5G NSA.

By IMDA directive, 5G NSA network is supposed to be shut down by 1 Jan 2026.

M1 and StarHub MVNOs already get 5G SA.

 

[keenklee]

SingTel MVNOs are expected to get 5G SA soon.

What about SIMBA? Right now it seems to me SIMBA is still running on 5G NSA.

By IMDA directive, 5G NSA network is supposed to be shut down by 1 Jan 2026.

M1 and StarHub MVNOs already get 5G SA.

IMHO.
Maybe that is why Simba want to buy M1.
So now Starhub hope that using Eight, they can get more users by offering discount for their broadband with 5G.
Eventually, there is a group of users who will go into mobile broadband. This group likely will use Singtel, Starhub and M1. - Simba is not known for very high speed.

 

[Habrosus]

SingTel MVNOs are expected to get 5G SA soon.

What about SIMBA? Right now it seems to me SIMBA is still running on 5G NSA.

By IMDA directive, 5G NSA network is supposed to be shut down by 1 Jan 2026.

M1 and StarHub MVNOs already get 5G SA.

IMHO.
Maybe that is why Simba want to buy M1.
So now Starhub hope that using Eight, they can get more users by offering discount for their broadband with 5G.
Eventually, there is a group of users who will go into mobile broadband. This group likely will use Singtel, Starhub and M1. - Simba is not known for very high speed.

That would mean that the merger is supposed to happen before 5G NSA shutdown? *hopeful*

 

[keenklee]

That would mean that the merger is supposed to happen before 5G NSA shutdown? *hopeful*

IMHO.
I am ready to move out from M1 Maxx.
I posted elsewhere i get > 500. This morning, <300.

 

[Jurong640]

IMHO.
I am ready to move out from M1 Maxx.
I posted elsewhere i get > 500. This morning, <300.

IMHO.
The sun hasn't really risen fully. Remember M1 is always under the sun, hence why this morning you only got <300

 

[keenklee]

IMHO.
The sun hasn't really risen fully. Remember M1 is always under the sun, hence why this morning you only got <300

IMHO.
Please lor, the Sun is always there.
I did suspect Simba turn off 5G before 5am.

 

[Jurong640]

IMHO.
Please lor, the Sun is always there.
I did suspect Simba turn off 5G before 5am.

must wait for the sun to be fully ontop of you at 12PM, then you get full experience of >500mps. Airplane not included

 

[BBCWatcher]

SingTel MVNOs are expected to get 5G SA soon.
What about SIMBA? Right now it seems to me SIMBA is still running on 5G NSA.
By IMDA directive, 5G NSA network is supposed to be shut down by 1 Jan 2026.

Is SIMBA subject to the same deadline? IMDA's 2021 directives (as I read them anyway) suggest SIMBA has more time primarily because it doesn't have any allocation in the 3.5 GHz band — making it that much more difficult to build out a 5G SA network without significantly harming existing subscribers.

Nonetheless, SIMBA is lighting up some more 5G SA coverage within the limited spectrum allocation it has.

M1 and StarHub MVNOs already get 5G SA.

Sharing the joint venture's (Antina's) network infrastructure.

 

[xiaofan]

Is SIMBA subject to the same deadline? IMDA's 2021 directives (as I read them anyway) suggest SIMBA has more time primarily because it doesn't have any allocation in the 3.5 GHz band — making it that much more difficult to build out a 5G SA network without significantly harming existing subscribers.

Nonetheless, SIMBA is lighting up some more 5G SA coverage within the limited spectrum allocation it has.

Sharing the joint venture's (Antina's) network infrastructure.

Good point. Indeed SIMBA is exempted.

And the directive only mandate 95% outdoor coverage (at least 95%) by end of 2025. So we still need to wait for better coverage for in-door areas and underground areas.

https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/imd...n--21-ghz-policy-and-regulatory-framework.pdf

To achieve these policy objectives, IMDA’s 5G Decision indicated that IMDA would facilitate 5G networks that were based on Standalone (SA) network architecture. Given the limited amount of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band which was issued as part of IMDA’s 5G Call for Proposal (CFP), IMDA had facilitated the deployment of two nationwide 5G SA networks for a start. Deployments of these two nationwide 5G SA networks, one by Singtel Mobile Singapore Pte Ltd (Singtel) and the other by a Joint-Venture Consortium formed by M1 Limited (M1) and StarHub Mobile Pte Ltd (StarHub), are ongoing and are making progress towards achieving at least 50% outdoor coverage by end2022 and nationwide outdoor coverage (at least 95%) by end-2025.

 

[xiaofan]

1. Another interesting point is that the above IMDA 2021 directive still emphasized the importance of 3G network.

https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/imd...n--21-ghz-policy-and-regulatory-framework.pdf
Domestically – Spectrum Still Needed to Support 3G Users’ Needs

21. The 2.1 GHz band is the main spectrum band supporting 3G services in Singapore today. IMDA notes the following:

a. While the total number of 3G subscribers in Singapore today has declined, this number is not insignificant. There are approximately 700,000 3G subscriptions as at June 2021 (close to 8% of all mobile subscriptions) and more than 1.5 million handsets/devices still depend on 3G networks today. These handsets and devices may not support 4G voice calls, or are still using 3G SIM cards. Affected users include seniors, foreign workers, transport operators, and healthcare organisations; and

b. Inbound roamers such as tourists and business travellers may still rely on 3G networks, for both data and voice applications.

As such, 3G services remain relevant for Singapore in the short to medium term.

2. But then things moved quite fast -- by July 2024, more than 99.9% of the users are on 4G/5G networks.
https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/p...hes/press-releases/2024/3g-services-to-retire

1. In July 2023, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) had announced plans to retire their 3G networks. IMDA indicated that before retirement, MNOs must ensure that their remaining 3G subscribers, both individual and enterprise users, are migrated smoothly onto 4G/5G networks. If this is achieved, the MNOs can start to retire 3G services from 31 Jul 2024.

2. IMDA has been tracking MNOs’ progress closely. Given that M1 has fully migrated all its individual and enterprise 3G subscribers to 4G/5G services, M1 will proceed to retire its 3G network beginning 1 August 2024. Singtel and StarHub will give their remaining 3G subscribers more time to migrate and will continue to assist their customers. If smooth migration is achieved, Singtel and StarHub plan to commence retiring their 3G services from November 2024.

Measures undertaken to support retirement of 3G services.

3G services were introduced more than 20 years ago in Singapore. The retirement of 3G will unlock spectrum capacity that can be invested in future-ready 5G networks, to provide a better mobile experience, and support enterprise digital transformation. Today, more than 99.9% of Singapore’s mobile subscribers are already on 4G/5G, with 3G subscribers making up less than 0.1%. 5G subscriptions have also gained prevalence since its introduction in 2022, making up 20% of total mobile subscribers today and this percentage continues to grow.

...

 

[keenklee]

1. Another interesting point is that the above IMDA 2021 directive still emphasized the importance of 3G network.

https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/imd...n--21-ghz-policy-and-regulatory-framework.pdf
Domestically – Spectrum Still Needed to Support 3G Users’ Needs

21. The 2.1 GHz band is the main spectrum band supporting 3G services in Singapore today. IMDA notes the following:

a. While the total number of 3G subscribers in Singapore today has declined, this number is not insignificant. There are approximately 700,000 3G subscriptions as at June 2021 (close to 8% of all mobile subscriptions) and more than 1.5 million handsets/devices still depend on 3G networks today. These handsets and devices may not support 4G voice calls, or are still using 3G SIM cards. Affected users include seniors, foreign workers, transport operators, and healthcare organisations; and

b. Inbound roamers such as tourists and business travellers may still rely on 3G networks, for both data and voice applications.

As such, 3G services remain relevant for Singapore in the short to medium term.

2. But then things moved quite fast -- by July 2024, more than 99.9% of the users are on 4G/5G networks.
https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/p...hes/press-releases/2024/3g-services-to-retire

1. In July 2023, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) had announced plans to retire their 3G networks. IMDA indicated that before retirement, MNOs must ensure that their remaining 3G subscribers, both individual and enterprise users, are migrated smoothly onto 4G/5G networks. If this is achieved, the MNOs can start to retire 3G services from 31 Jul 2024.

2. IMDA has been tracking MNOs’ progress closely. Given that M1 has fully migrated all its individual and enterprise 3G subscribers to 4G/5G services, M1 will proceed to retire its 3G network beginning 1 August 2024. Singtel and StarHub will give their remaining 3G subscribers more time to migrate and will continue to assist their customers. If smooth migration is achieved, Singtel and StarHub plan to commence retiring their 3G services from November 2024.

Measures undertaken to support retirement of 3G services.

3G services were introduced more than 20 years ago in Singapore. The retirement of 3G will unlock spectrum capacity that can be invested in future-ready 5G networks, to provide a better mobile experience, and support enterprise digital transformation. Today, more than 99.9% of Singapore’s mobile subscribers are already on 4G/5G, with 3G subscribers making up less than 0.1%. 5G subscriptions have also gained prevalence since its introduction in 2022, making up 20% of total mobile subscribers today and this percentage continues to grow.

...

IMHO.
The local market is small and I try my best to support local like Singtel.
If Simba close down, maybe one two hundred folks.

Summary Table (May 2025)

Category	Total Subscriptions
5G	2,901,800
4G	6,994,300
Total Mobile	9,896,000

Source : Internet, IMDA.

 

[froztheart]

IMHO.
The local market is small and I try my best to support local like Singtel.
If Simba close down, maybe one two hundred folks.

Summary Table (May 2025)

Category	Total Subscriptions
5G	2,901,800
4G	6,994,300
Total Mobile	9,896,000

Source : Internet, IMDA.

No wonder ST so stuck up.