Virtual telcos or MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are taking over the market these days. With cost-effective and affordable telecommunication services and solutions, they often come with contract-free options focused on giving customers more data. Want to find out more? You’ve come to the right place.
Before we find out which is the best virtual Telco in Singapore, let’s first understand what MVNOs are.
MVNOs, otherwise known as virtual telcos, are wireless telecom network providers that do not have their own network infrastructure. Instead, they partner with Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and use their infrastructure to provide services to their users. By entering into business agreements with MNO’s, they gain bulk access to telecom services at wholesale prices, allowing them to independently fix their own retail rates.
The different types of MVNO you might come across include:
A Full MVNO is one of the most complete models in the MVNO market. Relying on an MNO for a supply of mobile network access, Full MVNOs deliver a network implementation that operates using the same technology as their MNO. Beyond that, everything from apps and services and handset management to customer activation and entire operations are handled by the Full MVNO.
Medium MVNOs have their network access and apps and services handled by the MNO. Although not completely independent from the MNO, Medium MVNOs can have their own value–added services to ensure differentiation from their competitors. They focus on customer ownership, differentiation, and branding by providing add-on services like unlimited calls, unlimited data, and affordable mobile plans that are unique to their name.
Thin MVNOs have their network access, apps and services, and customer activation processes handled by the MNO. Although it has limited control to network routing, they do still operate under their own brand. Thin MVNOs offer services including SIM management, marketing, sales operations, and more. They also set their own tariff packages that are separate from the wholesale prices established by the MNO.
Simply operating under its own brand name, Branded Resellers are fully reliant on MNOs to provide for the rest of their business. Only having full control over their marketing and lacking any network access, the MNOs control most of the processes.
As virtual telcos do not have their own network, it may seem as though their communication solutions would be rather expensive.
On the contrary, MVNO solutions are typically more affordable and hassle-free. Some benefits of signing up with an MVNO include:
Enterprises can also benefit in many ways, like:
These virtual Telcos are suitable for data-heavy users looking for sustainable plans.
The first virtual telco in Asia, Circles.Life empowers consumers. Its plans all come with no contract, and its data-focused digital products and services make its mobile plans some of the best.
Like to know more about Circles.Life? Read our review piece on the telco and breakdown of its phone plans.
For consumers in need of unlimited data, MyRepublic is a great option. Its most popular Unlimited Data Plan is available at only $39/ month, and offers 4GB of 4G data per day with no contract. Along with free caller ID, 1000 minutes free incoming calls, and 1000 SMS, their Unlimited Data Plan is great if you need more mobile data.
Like to know more about MyRepublic? Read our review piece on the telco for more information.
Specially for millennials, Singtel’s GOMO is a no-contract SIM-only mobile plan solution. With Singtel’s backing, this virtual telco provides exceptional network service to all its customers.
Many MVNOs offer mobile data plans at competitive prices in Singapore. With all these virtual telco players competing to offer alternative plans, users get to enjoy the benefits of no contract, SIM-only mobile plans alongside the many deals and offers.