Cheapest Mobile Plans For Singaporeans and Expats: Which Mobile Network Is Best In Singapore?

One of the sweet perks of living in Singapore is the strength of mobile connectivity that you get to enjoy. Most importantly, you get to pick from a host of competent providers with competitive packages and strong networks. There are very popular mobile network providers but choosing from the best requires looking beyond the noise. 

As an expat, a network provider that lets you carry out your phone and online activities seamlessly while connecting with your loved ones abroad is a big deal. This article is for everyone looking to decide on the best phone network providers in Singapore as well as those looking to migrate to a more cost-effective and user-centric mobile network. 

Major Network Providers In Singapore and Why They Stand Out

There are three main network providers in Singapore: Singtel, StarHub and M1. They stand out due to a host of reasons. 

Singtel is the oldest and largest telecommunications provider in Singapore. It is one reason why it is so common among both Singaporean locals and expats. 

M1 and StarHub are also old brands but they were established after Singtel. Each brand has unique features and they all share qualities such as extensive coverage around the country and varying phone plans. 

Singtel

Singtel has lots of mobile plans including the postpaid and prepaid options allowing consumers to pick the options that are best suited to their needs. The network is very reliable and they offer extensive roaming, making it a good choice for expats. 

Its older reputation also makes this brand highly trusted and the different plans offered are in line with the varying usage patterns and preferences. 

StarHub

StarHub, the second oldest telecommunications provider in Singapore is famous for its innovation of HubID which allows easy access to public Wi-Fi and hotspots. It is a common choice among people who share bundles or use public Wi-Fi often. 

It also offers a plethora of mobile plans for entertainment and other purposes. The bundles come at very competitive pricing.

M1

Although M1 is not as old as StarHub and Singtel, it is also a very strong and well-rooted network provider in Singapore. It is the third largest telecommunications provider and its services are customer-centered. 

It is a cost-effective option and there are lots of mobile plans, data bundles, and value-added services to choose from. 

All three providers are famous for quality and extensive networks, as well as strong connectivity for internet, television, and home broadband. Singtel is popular for its great roaming options while StarHub is famous for HubID. They all offer great customer support.

Best Mobile Networks In Singapore and Performance Analysis Of The Various Providers 

Which SIM is best in Singapore? If you are looking to purchase a SIM, it's only natural to want to go for the best. A thorough analysis of the performance of the various mobile network providers in Singapore will help you determine which mobile network is best for you. 

According to the most recent survey by Open Signal, all the top three providers can be suitable depending on what your needs are. Various metrics were used in comparing the top three mobile networks based on the data collected from a large number of users. 

Singtel was said to be the first-ever network provider in Singapore to win the 5G Games Experience Award. StarHub came second and M1 came third based on the analysis. 

However, M1 and StarHub had the fastest download speeds across a range of internet platforms based on user reviews. 

StarHub also won the awards for overall experience, best streaming mobile video experience, best experience in playing multiplayer games as well as fast download and upload speed. 

Below is a summary of the awards won by the different mobile networks and the things they were awarded for. 

Metrics	Mobile Network Provider(s)
Video Experience	StarHub
Voice App Experience	StarHub
5G Games Experience	Singtel
Upload Speed Experience	StarHub
Availability	Singtel and StarHub
5G Download Experience	StarHub and M1
Games Experience	StarHub
Download Speed Experience	StarHub
5G Video Experience	StarHub
5G Voice App Experience	Singtel, StarHub, and M1
5G Upload Speed	Singtel
5G availability	StarHub and M1
Consistent Quality	StarHub

User Satisfaction Comparison Amongst The Various Providers In Singapore 

Aside from performance analysis, another thing that can inform your choice of a network provider and mobile plan to go with is user satisfaction reports. 

We analysed reports from various tech platforms, forums, IMDA's Quality of Service Monitoring, and surveys by research firms like Nielsen and J. D Power. Based on the data collected, we will be comparing the top three network providers using basic factors that impact overall user satisfaction. 

• Network Reliability 

  Singtel's network is impressively reliable with great uptime, minimal drop calls, and consistent data service. StarHub shines quite well as regards data speed while M1 has a consistently stable network. 

• Data Speed and Performance 

  StarHub's network is famous for low latency, making it very suitable for real-time applications. M1 generally has a well-rounded network performance while Singtel offers good data speeds and low latency. 

• Coverage

  M1 has a good focus on rural coverage hence it effectively caters to a wide range of users. Singtel comprehensively covers urban and rural areas while StarHub is known to be strong in urban regions.

• Customer Service

  Based on consumer reviews, Singtel is recognized for its responsiveness to inquiries and swift resolution of issues raised. StarHub's strength lies in the accessibility of support channels and M1 has been noted for quick response times on social media. 

• Billing Transparency 

  Singtel's billing statements are clear and comprehensive. StarHub's are equally transparent. M1 in addition to transparency is known for simplicity. 

• Value For Money

  Singtel offers a variety of plans to meet the needs of a wide range of users. StarHub offers competitive pricing and M1 is known for affordability and quality. 

• Roaming 

  Singtel is a cost-effective option that offers seamless connectivity for international roaming. StarHub's offers and those of M1 are generally convenient. 

• Unique Offerings 

  Singtel offers a plethora of bundled offerings and subscriptions for internet and entertainment purposes. StarHub also has special bundles, offerings, and discounts. M1 offers user-tailored special bundles. 

• User Friendliness 

  M1's platforms have straightforward and user-friendly interfaces. Singtel and StarHub's platforms are convenient and generally easy to navigate. 

Cheapest Mobile Plans For Singaporeans and Expats 

We can now look at affordability and the cheapest mobile plans after assessing user satisfaction and the network's performance. Everyone wants the most value at the most affordable or cheapest cost. Here we will look at the cheapest mobile plans for Singaporean locals, the cheapest phone plans for expats, student mobile plans, and general phone plans. 

Cheapest Phone Or Mobile Monthly Plans For Expats Including Seniors In Singapore 

Many expats in Singapore, especially seniors, are unaware of the  unlimited data plans as well as the best mobile plans for phone users. Where affordability and quality matters, these SIM-only plans are good options. 

Network Provider	Singtel	StarHub	M1
Cost	$20.19	$8.07	$15. 86
Data	20GB	10GB	12GB
Call Minutes	350 minutes	350 minutes	110 minutes
Benefits	3 free months of Singtel cast and entertainment	Free international roaming	Unlimited data during weekends

Cheapest Student Monthly Mobile Plans and Unlimited Data Plans 

Network Provider	Plan Type	Cost	Data and Talk Minutes	SMS	Incoming Calls	Duration	Caller ID
StarHub	$25 SIM-only plan	$25 per month	35 GB and 1000 talk minutes	500 SMS for only $3 extra monthly	Free	12 months contract	Free display
StarHub	$50 two year plan	$50 per month	15 GB and 100 talk minutes plus 300 minutes at an extra $6 monthly	500 SMS for an extra $3 per month	Free	24 months	Free display
Singtel	Singtel Youth Combo 2	$42.90 per month	2 GB and 200 talk minutes	1000 SMS	Free	24 months	$5.95 per month
Singtel	Singtel SIM only 20GB plan	$25 per month	20 GB and 200 talk minutes	200 SMS	Free	12 months	$5.95 per month
M1	SIM only plan 40 GB	$20 per month	40 GB and 10 GB for 12 months. 1000 talk minutes and Unlimited calls to M1 numbers	1000 SMS	Free	No duration	Free for the first three months

General Phone Plans and Cheapest Mobile Plans For Singaporeans 

Network Provider	Plan Type	Data	Talk Minutes	SMS
Singtel	GOMO $20 monthly	20 GB	200	200
Singtel	GOMO $30 monthly	60 GB	500	500
M1	$17.95 monthly SIM-only plan	80 GB for the first 12 months then 50 GB afterwards	1000	1000
M1	$19.95 monthly SIM-only plan	100 GB for the first 12 months and 50 GB afterwards	1000	1000
StarHub	$20 monthly SIM-only plan	80 GB for the first 3 months and 60 GB afterwards	Unlimited	1000

Conclusion 

The different network providers have different strengths and different offerings. So in conclusion, which mobile network is best in Singapore? This will vary for everyone and depends on individual needs and preferences. Closely assess your situation, your mobile needs, and the offerings available before making your choice.