Singapore has four mobile network operators. Three of them—Singtel, StarHub, and M1—have been around for decades. The fourth, SIMBA (formerly TPG), launched in 2018 and became fully licensed in 2019.
If you're shopping for a mobile plan, the network matters. All the budget providers you see advertised—Circles.Life, GOMO, VIVIFI, and the rest—don't own their own infrastructure. They rent capacity from one of these four networks. So when you sign up with an MVNO, you're really choosing a network.
This guide breaks down what each network offers and which one makes sense for different users.
The Four Networks
Singtel is the largest operator with around 4 million subscribers. It was the original government telecom monopoly before the market opened up in the late 1990s.
StarHub started as a cable TV company and expanded into mobile. It merged with M1's parent company Keppel in recent years, though the networks still operate separately.
M1 (formerly MobileOne) was Singapore's second mobile operator. In August 2025, Keppel divested M1's telecom business to SIMBA, which means the market is consolidating.
SIMBA (formerly TPG Singapore) is the newest player. TPG, an Australian ISP, won the fourth operator license in 2016 for S$105 million and launched commercial service in 2019. The company rebranded to SIMBA and now owns both its original network and M1's infrastructure.
Which MVNOs Run on Which Network?
This is the part most people get wrong. Here's the actual breakdown:
Singtel Network:
- GOMO (Singtel's own budget brand)
- Heya (Singtel's other budget brand)
- VIVIFI
- Zero1
- CMLink
- ZYM Mobile
StarHub Network:
- giga! (StarHub's own budget brand)
- eight telecom
- redONE
- MyRepublic (5G plans)
M1 Network:
- Maxx (M1's own budget brand)
- Circles.Life
- MyRepublic (4G plans)
- Changi Mobile
SIMBA Network:
Why does this matter? Because an MVNO gives you the same coverage as its host network, usually at a lower price. If you want Singtel's coverage but not Singtel's prices, VIVIFI or Zero1 will get you there.
Coverage
All four networks claim over 99% outdoor coverage. According to IMDA's Q2 2024 quality of service data, Singtel, StarHub, and M1 all meet regulatory requirements for 4G coverage and speeds.
In practice, the differences show up in specific situations:
MRT tunnels and underground: Singtel has historically been strongest here. Some users report SIMBA struggles in certain basement areas.
Buildings and indoor coverage: Singtel and StarHub generally perform better in older buildings with thick walls.
Rural and reservoir areas: All networks thin out in places like Pulau Ubin, but Singtel tends to hold signal longer.
That said, for most people walking around Orchard Road or commuting on the MRT, any of the four networks will work fine.
5G
Singapore achieved 95% nationwide 5G standalone coverage by July 2022, making it one of the first countries to hit this milestone. All four operators now offer 5G.
According to Opensignal's mobile experience awards, Singtel and StarHub tied for the most wins, each taking eight awards. The differences between networks are small enough that 5G shouldn't be your deciding factor unless you have very specific needs.
5G plans typically cost more. If you're considering one, check whether you actually spend time in 5G coverage areas and whether your phone supports it.
Prices
Here's where things get interesting. With over 10 MVNOs competing, prices have dropped dramatically since 2016.
For context: in 2017, Singtel's cheapest SIM-only plan was S$20 for 5GB. Today, Singtel-owned GOMO sells 300GB for S$18.33.
The cheapest plans right now sit around S$5-7 per month for 100-200GB of data. SIMBA's senior plans and Eight's data-only plans hit this range.
Mid-range plans (S$10-15) typically offer 300-500GB with extras like roaming data.
Premium unlimited plans from the main telcos run S$35-80+ per month.
A 2023 analysis by cable.co.uk ranked Singapore 59th globally for mobile data affordability, with an average price of US$0.63 per gigabyte. That's cheaper than Japan (US$3.48) and the US (US$6), though not as cheap as Israel (US$0.02) or Italy (US$0.09).
One Thing to Know About MVNOs
MVNOs buy wholesale capacity from the main networks. During peak congestion, their traffic gets deprioritised. If you're on a crowded MRT during rush hour, Singtel subscribers will get faster speeds than VIVIFI subscribers on the same Singtel network.
For most everyday use, you won't notice. But if you need guaranteed speeds at all times, a plan directly from an MNO might be worth the extra cost.
Which Network Should You Choose?
For best overall coverage: Singtel
Singtel has the longest track record and the most consistent performance in challenging areas like underground spaces and older buildings. If coverage is your priority, go with Singtel or an MVNO on their network (GOMO, VIVIFI, Zero1, CMLink, ZYM).
For best value: Singtel network (via MVNOs) or SIMBA direct
The Singtel network has the most MVNO competition, which drives prices down. SIMBA offers the cheapest direct-from-operator plans, though coverage is less consistent.
For the cheapest prices: SIMBA, Eight, or GOMO
Plans under S$10/month with 200GB+ data exist across these providers. Just check the network and make sure coverage works for your usual locations.
For 5G on a budget: Circles.Life, GOMO, or SIMBA
All three offer 5G plans under S$20/month. Circles.Life runs on M1's 5G network, GOMO on Singtel's, and SIMBA on their own.
The Bottom Line
There's no single "best" network in Singapore. Singtel and StarHub have the most consistent coverage and tied in Opensignal's awards. M1 is solid and hosts popular MVNOs like Circles.Life. SIMBA offers the lowest prices but with some coverage trade-offs.
For most Singaporeans, the smart move is to pick the network with good coverage in your home, office, and commute, then find the cheapest MVNO on that network. Use a comparison tool to filter by price and features, then check which network each plan runs on.
If you're unsure, start with a no-contract MVNO plan. You can always switch if the coverage doesn't work out.
