5G Mobile Services: What Exactly Are You Paying For?

Ever since 2012 when the first 4G mobile launched on our shores, our mobile internet experience has improved by leaps and bounds. Browsing the internet through our phones in the 2000s was revolutionary but without WIFI, the slower 3G network did not make for a great experience. Now, we dread having our 4G connection drop to 3G in areas with poor connectivity, disrupting our video streaming or mobile gaming.

After almost a decade, we can experience another leap in internet surfing speeds with the rollout of the fifth generation (or 5G) of wireless mobile or cellular technology in 2021.

Read More: 5 Factors To Consider When Choosing A SIM-Only Mobile Plan During Work-From-Home

5G Provides More Than Just Faster Internet Connection

5G promises faster internet connection speed at about ten times faster than the existing 4G connection. Apart from allowing us to download our Disney+ shows faster, 5G promises more upgrades for our internet lives. Here are the main areas of improvements 5G mobile has over 4G mobile.

1. Increases download speed by ten times, up to 1.2 Gbps
2. Increases the number of devices on the same network without compromising speed
3. Improves streaming speed for games and video calls due to lower latency
4. Lowers battery usage due to higher efficiency on power consumption of internet connection
5. Enables access to Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality mobile content

Recent generations of mobile phones are now able to support 5G connectivity. For Apple, this includes the older generation iPhone 12 and above, while Android users can turn to the latest models, including the older models like the Samsung Galaxy S21 or A52, OnePlus 9 Pro, and Google Pixel 5.

The 3 main full-service mobile network operators (MNOs) —Singtel, Starhub and M1—in Singapore have started providing 5G mobile plans., including other virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Circle.Life. Here are some of the 5G pre-paid plans offered by the various telecommunication operators:

#1 Singtel XO Plus Plans

Singtel is not only the first telecommunications company to launch the 5G stand-alone network in Singapore in 2021, but it is also the first in the world to achieve nationwide 5G coverage. Currently, this is available indoors and outdoors in over 500 buildings and accessible underground, including North-East Line, East-West Line and North-South MRT stations. Aside from the XO Plus Plans that provide 5G access, Singtel also offers 5G Data Pass as an add-on 5G service at $15.28/month.

Though not the most affordable, Singtel’s XO Plus 92 offers the greatest value for dollar deal as it provides 110 GB for $92.85, which comes to about $0.84 per GB compared to other plans, which cost about $0.90 per GB.

#2 Starhub Mobile +

StarHub also has its own 5G mobile plans, and the company provides island-wide 5G standalone (SA) coverage now. Starhub also offers one of the largest 5G roaming networks with 5G data access in 13 destinations through 19 overseas mobile networks. Interested users of StarHub can look at Mobile + $69, which provides 80 GB of data at a monthly rate of $70.29. This is one of the more affordableplan. However, customers would be paying about $1.13 per GB compared to the highest priced plan (Mobile+ $169), which costs about $0.98 per GB.

Apart from the 24 months pre-paid plans, StarHub does also offer 5G-bundled SIM only plans and Seniors’ Exclusive plans, which start at $53.94 for 80GB of 5G data with 300 minutes of outgoing calls and 200 SMS.

#3 M1 5Go Plus Booster 

Providing 5G coverage to 99% of Singapore, this far exceeds IMDA’s 50% target date by December 2022. In addition to 5G mobile plans, M1 also allows users to add on 5G service without having to purchase another new plan. Users can simply log on to My M1+ app to add on the 5Go Plus Booster if they have existing 5G compatible devices.

#4 Circles.Life 5G 

Circles.Life offers three SIM only 5G plans with free caller ID service that are also available via eSIM. The three plans have no lock-in period, giving you the flexibility to cancel anytime. For the 1TB data + Talktime plan, you can rollover any unused data of up to 1TB at 5G speeds, thereafter, you will only enjoy unlimited data at throttled speeds. For the 1TB 5G Special plan, you can enjoy 5G service for as little as $0.04 per 1GB.

Read More: [2023 Edition] Best Unlimited Data Mobile Plans In Singapore (Plus: Which Plan Gives The Most 4G Data Per Dollar?)

Best 5G Mobile Pre-paid Plan

Based on the above, the most worthwhile standalone 5G mobile pre-paid plan would be Circle.Life 5G 1TB Special , as it provides 1TB of data for $40.00 or $0.04 per 1GB of data. The plan also offers 300 minutes of outgoing talktime and 2GB of roaming data. As it is available  as a SIM-only plan, you have greater flexibility to change your plan at any time. It also allows you to rollover your unused data for up to 1TB, and thereafter still enjoy unlimited data with 5G speed. That might be suitable for data heavy users who stream video content regularly.

Alternatively, you can also consider the M1 bespoke plan, as it provides 100GB for $38.30. At this price, you will get 100 mins outgoing calls and 100 local sms. Moreover, as it also available with no contract, you can change your plan at any time.