Guide to Finding the Best Mobile Plan for You

Looking to sign up for a new mobile plan? Search up any telco in Singapore, and you’re sure to be bombarded with loads of options – from SIM only plans to Data only plans, choices are aplenty. Whether you’re re-contracting or finding a plan that will give you a better deal, it’s important to understand what these plans offer and if they’ll meet your needs. So, here’s the guide you’ll want to read to help you find the right mobile data plan for you and save more.

1. Understand Your Personal Wants and Needs

Before you subscribe to any plan, ask yourself these questions:

• • Mobile Device: Do you need a new mobile phone or not? If you do, then consider a plan which comes with a phone. Otherwise, a SIM only plan might be a more affordable option.
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  • Budget: How much can you afford to pay monthly for a mobile plan? Are payments flexible? Does the carrier offer instalment options for handsets?
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  • Mobile Data: Though you’re likely using Wi-Fi at home and at work, you’ll still want a good amount of data for when you’re outdoors, and to avoid having to log into unknown public networks which may pose a cybersecurity threat. So, how much data comes with the plan? And how much do you typically need?
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  • Call Time & SMS: Do you spend hours talking over the phone? Do you text a lot via SMS? Does it even make sense to get so much call time when you can call and text using apps like WhatsApp and Telegram? These are some questions you might want to consider too.
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  • Coverage: Especially important if you travel around and commute for work. Some carriers have a wider network coverage than others.
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• 5G Connection: If you, like the rest of us, want a smoother, faster connection, with lag-free gaming and streaming without buffering then be sure to check if the service provider has 5G services and there’s coverage where you’re living. 

While you’re at it, be sure to keep a lookout for special deals and offers too! Some telcos offer bundle packs and family deals – these are some of the things you won’t want to miss out on. 

2. Even More Questions to Ask

If the above questions weren’t enough, you can base your decision on the following:

• Customer Service: It may not seem important when buying a plan, but it really is. You may need help from time to time, and good customer care is the hallmark of a good carrier service. 
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• Price: How does the plan compare to others in the same price bracket? Does one telco offer more data allowance than the other?
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• Customisation options: Can you remove mobile add-ons as and when you want? Can you make changes easily? Maybe you’d like to switch things up a bit every now and again, so be sure the mobile plan you choose allows for such flexibility.
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• Website/ App: Is the website/app easy to use and navigate? If they’re hard to use, benefitting from what they have to offer will be extremely difficult.
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• Technology: Are they leaders in the industry? Do they offer progressive solutions? Beyond 5G coverage, what else do they have to offer? With increasing competition, telco companies are going full-force in what they have to offer. These include broadband packages and access to many streaming services. Be on the lookout for those too.
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• Portability: Is it easy to switch over to another carrier? Can you also keep your current number?
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• Additional Charges & Hidden Fees: Be wary of any hidden fees. Look carefully at the fine print, especially their termination fees to determine if it’s worth signing up for such a plan in the first place.

Final Thoughts

There are only a handful of major carriers in Singapore: M1, StarHub, and Singtel. Other smaller carriers typically use a virtual network and offer inexpensive plans since they “rent” their network from the larger carriers, meaning they do not have to invest in infrastructure and can pass savings down to their customers. So, consider plans from these smaller carriers like MyRepublic and Circles.Life too before you make your decision.

That said, make sure you do your research beforehand. There are many service providers, but it is best to avoid switching between them too frequently since some provide added rewards for your loyalty. So, find a plan that has the features you need and falls within your budget. Also, remember that your phone also plays a part. The latest phones have better features, and can benefit from the 5G network, which older models cannot do.