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Which telco for value now, worth leaving Singtel for a SIM-only plan?

I've been with a major telco for years on a contract with a phone, but the bill feels expensive. Friends keep telling me to switch to a SIM-only plan and buy my phone separately. Is it really cheaper and any downsides in Singapore?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 2 hours ago ·2 views ·2 answers

2 contributors answered

Wai Kit Beginner First-hand experience
From my experience, SIM-only plus buying your phone outright is almost always cheaper than a bundled contract once you do the math. I switched from a bundled plan to a SIM-only plan and my monthly bill dropped by more than half for similar data. The MVNOs that ride on the main networks give a lot of data cheaply, and coverage is fine for most people because they use the same towers. Downsides: no subsidised phone so you pay upfront, and customer service can be more bare-bones. Watch for plans that jack up the price after a promo period, so read the fine print. Number portability means you keep your number when you switch. If you always buy flagship phones, sometimes an instalment plan via a 0 percent credit card is cheaper than a telco bundle anyway.
Joanne Beginner First-hand experience
I moved to a SIM-only plan two years ago and never looked back, but do check your usage first. I was paying for way more data than I actually used, so I picked a cheaper tier and saved a lot. For the phone, I buy the previous year's model outright or on a 12-month interest-free instalment, which still works out cheaper than a 2-year telco contract. One thing to note: if you travel often, compare roaming add-ons because some budget plans are weak there, and a travel eSIM might be better. Also test coverage where you live and work, since a few MVNOs can be patchy in basements or lifts. Overall the savings are real. Just port your number over so you don't lose it, and time your switch after your current contract ends to avoid early termination fees.

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