Ultimate Guide to the Cheapest Senior Mobile Phone Plans in Singapore (2023)
Joel Koh●
Most of us are bound to receive such messages from a senior we know.
Undoubtedly, COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in a shift in the way we lead our lives in Singapore and especially so for our seniors.
Having access to the internet is more important than ever and there are already programmes rolled out to encourage digital adoption among seniors and ensure that they are not left behind.
To help connect everyone, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has launched the Seniors Go Digital programme with the three major carriers in Singapore to provide smartphones and mobile plans at subsidised prices.
At the time of writing, M1, Singtel, and SIMBA have launched these subsidised plans for low-income seniors under IMDA’s Mobile Access for Seniors scheme.
Alongside these plans, these telcos have also launched SIM-Only and mobile plans catered to seniors at an affordable rate.
Let us take a look at the mobile plans available for seniors!
TL;DR: Best Mobile Plans For Seniors in Singapore (2023)
Click here to jump:
- Singapore mobile network comparison
- What is IMDA Mobile Access For Seniors scheme?
- Cheapest Seniors Go SIM-Only Plans
- Cheapest Seniors Go Mobile Plans With Device
Singapore Mobile Network Comparison
Before we begin this comparison, it is essential for you to know the quality of network coverage M1, Singtel, Starhub, and SIMBA provide.
With that, we refer to the latest IMDA quality of service performance report for 4G mobile services for Oct – Dec 2022.
To evaluate 4G cellular mobile coverage in Singapore, the report covers three main indicators:
- Nationwide outdoor service coverage
- In-building service coverage
- Tunnel service coverage.
But, do note that individual experience may differ due to different models of handset used, handset settings, number of users in the vicinity, etc.
Overall Mobile Network Coverage
Overall, Singtel is in first place across various categories. They also provide the best coverage in buildings and are about tied with Starhub, SIMBA and M1 for coverage in tunnels.
SIMBA takes second place they are tied with Singtel for coverage in buildings.
Starhub comes in third place as their in-building coverage is behind SIMBA and Singtel, while M1 comes in last as they lag behind all the other telcos in outdoor coverage.
Do keep this in mind when you choose your telcos.
Nationwide Outdoor Service Coverage
First up we have the nationwide outdoor service coverage indicator, which measures the 4G signal strength in areas like housing estates/town centres, outdoor recreational areas, and above-ground MRT tracks.
The surveys test the telco’s mobile network’s ability to provide a minimum signal strength of -109dBm outdoors.
Under IMDA’s latest 4G Service Quality of Service (QoS) framework requirements, mobile operators are required to achieve nationwide outdoor service coverage of > 99%.
As you can see for outdoor coverage, the telcos are neck and neck.
1st position: Singtel and Starhub with 99.99% on average for the coverage areas.
2nd position: Starhub with 99.94% on average for the coverage areas.
3rd position: SIMBA with 99.87% on average for the coverage areas.
But, in reality, I think that you will not notice the difference while using your phone outdoors.
In-building Service Coverage
Next up we have in-building coverage.
This indicator measures the telco’s mobile network’s ability to provide 4G service coverage in more than 85% of the building’s area to consider to have passed.
Here are the results according to IMDA:
| Telcos | M1 | Singtel | Starhub | SIMBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of buildings passed | 58/60 | 59/60 | 60/60 | 60/60 |
The testing was conducted in publicly accessible areas within randomly selected buildings in Q4 2022. IMDA conducted the test at the same sixty buildings for the three telcos’ mobile networks.
For the telcos that have failed IMDA’s compliance standard, they are required to improve coverage within the failed buildings within four months. After these four months, IMDA will conduct tests in the building again.
1st Position: Starhub and SIMBA
2nd Position: Singtel
Tunnel Service Coverage
The surveys test the telco’s mobile network’s ability to provide a minimum signal strength of -109dBm in the tunnels.
Under IMDA’s latest 4G Service Quality of Service (QoS) framework requirements, mobile operators are required to achieve coverage of > 99% for the road and MRT tunnels.
During the Q4 2019 performance survey, IMDA used mobile phones to test the 4G cellular mobile network signal strength and collected multiple data points.
Here are the results:
| M1 | M1 | Singtel Mobile | StarHub Mobile | SIMBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Expressway (Road Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (Road Tunnel)* | Pass | |||
| Fort Canning Tunnel (Road Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| Woodsville Tunnel (Road Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| Marina Costal Expressway (Road Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| North South Line (MRT Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| East West Line (MRT Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| Changi Airport Line (MRT Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| Circle Line (MRT Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| North East Line (MRT Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| Downtown Line (MRT Tunnel) | Pass | |||
| Thomson-East Coast Line (MRT Tunnel) | Pass | |||
IMDA’s Subsidised Mobile Plans for Seniors
IMDA has provided subsidised mobile plans for seniors through the Mobile Access for Seniors scheme to help them go digital.
Who Can Apply?
| Category | Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age | 60 years old and above (based on your birth year) |
| Citizenship | Singapore Citizen |
| Current beneficiary of the selected government assistance scheme | MSF’s ComCare Long Term Assistance (LTA) MSF’s ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance (SMTA) OR HDB’s Public Rental Scheme |
| Others | Not an existing IMDA Home Access beneficiary who has received a smartphone |
On top of meeting the above-mentioned qualifying criteria, you are required to attend IMDA’s Seniors Go Digital – Learning programme and learn at least one basic digital skill at SG Digital community.
This is so that you can redeem a mobile redemption voucher after the training, and use it at the various telcos.
IMDA Mobile Access Plans For Seniors
| M1 | SIMBA | Singtel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month | $5.05 | ||
| Contract duration | 2 years | ||
| Data (GB) | 6 GB | 20 GB | 5 GB |
| Talktime (mins) | 500 mins | 300 mins | 350 mins |
| Local SMS | 100 SMS | 30 SMS | 50 SMS |
| Bundled Phone & Cost* | Xiaomi Redmi A1: $20 | Energizer U608S: $20 | Xiaomi Redmi 10A: $20 |
| Bundled Phone & Cost* | Vivo Y02s: $20 | Vivo Y02s: $39 | Realme C30: $20 |
| Bundled Phone & Cost* | OPPO A17: $40 | OPPO A17K: $49 | OPPO A17K: $49 |
*Payment for bundled smartphones is a one-time cost and starts from $20.
In addition, all these subsidised plans will come with the following FREE added perks:
- Waiver of SIM card registration fees
- Free caller ID
- Free unlimited incoming local calls
- Continued mobile data connectivity, with no excess data charges
- Other value-added services.
Do note that these plans are also subject to the terms and conditions set by the participating telcos.
How to Apply?
You can look for Digital Ambassadors at any of the SG Digital community hubs to apply.
Also, only one registration is needed for the Mobile Access Plan.
Seniors Go Digital Mobile Plans: SIM-Only Plans Comparison
Besides subsidised Mobile Access for Seniors Mobile Plans, telcos are also offering Seniors Go Digital Plans for all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 60 and above (based on birth year).
For the uninitiated, SIM-Only plans are designed to be fuss-free as there are no contract obligations, and you can change your mobile carrier as and when you like.
The only downside is that it does not come with a device, so you will have to purchase the mobile separately.
If you already have a mobile device ready, this could just be the go-to.
Here’s our comparison of the Seniors Go Digital SIM-Only Plans:
| SIMBA | StarHub | M1 (With Silver Benefits) | Singtel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month | $5 | $8.07 | $15.86 (U.P. $21.15) | $20.19 |
| Data (GB) | 20 | 10 | 12 | 20 |
| Outgoing calls (mins) | 300 | 350 | 1,100 | 350 |
| Incoming calls (mins) | Free | |||
| Local SMS | 30 | N.A. | 1,100 | 500 |
| Caller ID | Free | Free | Free for 3 months for new sign-ups | N.A. |
| Other Perks | Free data roaming to 57 destinations Unlimited calls to SIMBA lines Unlimited SMS to SIMBA mobile | Free International Roaming Subscription (opt-in required) | Unlimited Weekend Data Waiver of registration free, SIM card and delivery charges 25% off monthly plan subscription Free 3 months TVBAnywhere+ Free 3 months Viu Premium | Free 3 months of Entertainment & Lifestyle Packs on our XO Plus Plans Free 3 months on Singtel CAST no contract Free 3 months on TVBAnywhere+ VOD Zone |
| Promotions | - | - | 25% off monthly plan subscription is applicable off the listed price. Promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion and discounts, unless otherwise stated | - |
M1 Terms & Conditions
The registration of M1’s Silver Benefits is valid for new sign-ups, bill plan changes, or re-contracts at M1 Shops or Online. Each eligible senior is entitled to one postpaid mobile line registered under one NRIC, be present during the signup process and the mobile line must be registered under the senior’s name.
Starhub Terms & Conditions
Do note that the promotional rate for the $8.07 SIM Only (no-contract) plan is only valid for 12 months upon the date of sign-up.
Seniors Go Digital Mobile Plans: Plan With Device Comparison
In addition, under the Seniors Go Digital Plans, there is also the option of plans with devices that are subject to the same terms and conditions.
The standard duration for the contract is two years and within this period, you will not be allowed to change to other plans.
Here is our comparison of these plans:
| M1 (With Silver Benefits) | M1 (With Silver Benefits) | M1 (With Silver Benefits) | Seniors Go Digital XO Plus 52 | Seniors Go Digital XO Plus 72 | Seniors Go Digital XO Plus 92 | Seniors Go Digital XO Plus 122 | Seniors Go Digital XO Plus 172 | StarHub | StarHub | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per month | $51.43 | $66.57 | $79.69 | $41.60 | $57.61 | $73.59 | $97.60 | $137.60 | $53.44 | $78.33 |
| Contract duration | 24 months | |||||||||
| Data (GB) | 12 | 17 | 42 | 10 | 80 | 110 | 130 | 120 | 80 | 110 |
| Local calls (mins) | 100 | 200 | 300 | 200 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 300 | 600 + 400 |
| Local SMS | 100 | 200 | 300 | 100 | 300 | 600 | 800 | 1,200 | N.A. | 600 |
| Caller ID | N.A. (available for $5.35/month) | N.A. (available for $5.35/month with $10.70 setup fee) | N.A. | Free | ||||||
| Other FREE Perks | 25% off monthly plan subscription Free 3 months TVBAnywhere+ Free 3 months Viu Premium Free 1 month FoneCare+ (12-month contract applies; refer to clause 8) | Free 3 Months of Entertainment & Lifestyle Packs on our XO Plus Plans | Free 3 Months of Entertainment & Lifestyle Packs on our XO Plus Plans Free 5G Access | Free 3 Months of Entertainment & Lifestyle Packs on our XO Plus Plans Free 5G Access | Free 3 Months of Entertainment & Lifestyle Packs on our XO Plus Plans Free 5G Access | Free 3 Months of Entertainment & Lifestyle Packs on our XO Plus Plans Free 5G Access $200 handset voucher issued every 21 months | $15 off for 24 months Free International Roaming Subscription (opt-in required) | $20 off for 24 months Free International Roaming Subscription (opt-in required) |
||
Which Mobile Carrier or Plan Would You Choose?
Most people would undoubtedly opt for a SIM-Only plan due to price reasons and the fact that most mobile phones are built to last for at least two years.
[Read: We’ve got you covered on whether you should replace your phone]
However, it is important to keep in mind that beyond just the price of the plans, you should also look at the telco’s strengths and reviews beyond selecting one.
Areas to look at would be the level and efficiency of customer support, accessibility of the customer hotline, etc.
What are your thoughts? Share them with us in the community!
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