While this may seem like an unfamiliar term to you, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) have become a part of your daily life. Circles.Life, MyRepublic and Changi Mobile are all examples of MVNOs. With the entrance of MVNOs, Singaporeans have access to a larger variety of value-for-money and flexible mobile plans.
So what does it mean to be an MVNO, and what difference does it make to your mobile plan?
What Is A Mobile Virtual Network Operator?
MVNOs are communication service providers that do not operate on their own wireless network infrastructure. Instinctively, you may see MVNO as a competitor to the traditional Telco service provider (otherwise known as mobile network operator). Yes, in the sense that they belong to the same industry. But to a larger extent, they work on a partnership basis to complement each other’s services.
Most of the time, an MVNO will enter a mutually beneficial business agreement with a telco service provider to access network services at wholesale rates and operates other elements independently. For instance, Circles.Life (as an MVNO) relies on M1 Limited’s mobile network to deliver its own voice, messaging and data services.
How Does A MVNO Differ From The Traditional Telco Service Provider?
A telco service provider is licensed to establish its own network and provide end-to-end mobile services such as wireless, voice, data and roaming facility to subscribed users. Telco service providers have physical retail branches to manage customers. There are currently three main full-service mobile network operators (MNOs) in Singapore – SingTel, Starhub, and M1.
On the other hand, a typical MVNO does not possess a license to own an independent mobile network infrastructure. They serve like a reseller of wireless communication services.
Despite obvious differences between an MVNO and telco service provider, they are similar in terms of providing certain services and prepaid plans.
Here is a general comparison of an MVNO and a telco service provider.
| Features | MVNO | Telco service provider |
| Services | Voice calls, SMS, data usage, billing, customer support services | Voice calls, SMS, data usage, billing, customer support services |
| Mobile Plans | Prepaid and postpaid | Prepaid and postpaid |
| Network Infrastructure | No independent network | Owns independent network |
| Physical Presence | No | Yes |
| Contract Terms | Flexibility to tweak mobile plan month-by-month | Mobile plan usually lasts for 2 years, but there are options to re-contract after 1 year or purchase 1-year contract.
|
| Data coverage | Option to purchase data-only SIM and add-ons | Option to purchase data-only SIM and add-ons |
While there is a clear distinction between the two, telco service providers have been adapting to customer preferences by launching flexible SIM-only plans. In the case of Singtel, it has also launched GOMO, an MVNO to attract younger customers.
Read Also: Complete Guide To Prepaid SIM Plans In Singapore
How Are The MVNOs Different From Each Other?
Circles.Life – the first MVNO – took Singapore by storm in 2016 with its bold marketing campaigns and competitively priced data plans that were too good to be true. Within the span of a few years, there are now at least 10 MVNOs wooing digital-savvy customers aggressively with affordable data plans.
Despite promoting similar services, each MVNO deploys unique marketing strategies such as upselling data-only plans to target young heavy data users or offering flexible data-sharing plans.
With many options available in the market, it can be a headache to dig into the details. Here’s a summary table on the 4G plans to help you compare the coverage and features between each MVNO:
| 4G Mobile Plans | |||||
| Mobile Operator | Monthly Price | Data | Talktime (mins)/ SMS | Network | Remarks |
| CMLink | $21.00 | 50GB | – 300 local mins – 300 mins from local to China and Hong Kong – 300 local SMS |
Singtel | – Free 50GB local data for first 6 months – Free 25GB roaming data to use in mainland China and Hong Kong – Additional 1Gb roaming data to use in Msia, Indo and Thai |
| Giga | $15.28 | 50GB | – 300 mins local outgoing talktime – 300 SMS |
StarHub | – Bonus 350GB data for 6 months – Free 4GB gigaRoam APAC (one-time) – Free caller ID – Free rollover of unused data for another two renewal cycles |
| Changi Mobile | $10.00 | 100GB | – 300 mins local outgoing talktime – 200 SMS |
M1 | – Free rollover of local data, talktime & SMS – Free caller ID – No activation fee |
| Circles Life | $30.94 | 100GB | – 300 mins local outgoing talktime – Free SMS |
M1 | – Use data across 8 other Asian countries – Free caller ID |
| ZYM Mobile | $10.10 | 100GB | – 300 mins local outgoing talktime – 100 SMS |
Singtel | – Free roaming 2GB Msia, 1 GB Thai and Indo data for 12 months – Free subscription on 3rd month |
| RedONE | $20.90 | 100GB | – 500 mins outgoing talktime – 200 SMS |
StarHub | – Voice calls to all SG and Msia numbers originating from SG – Simple & flat call rates |
| Zero 1 | $18.22 | 150GB | – 500 mins local outgoing talktime – 500 SMS |
Singtel | – Free 1GB roaming data for 12 months – Free caller ID |
| VIVIFI | $18.00 | 150GB | – 400 mins local outgoing talktime – 200 SMS |
Singtel | – Free 1GB roaming each month across Msia, Indo, Thai for 12 months – No excess local charges – Free caller ID |
| GOMO | $15.28 | 238GB | – 500 mins local outgoing talktime – 500 SMS |
Singtel | – Additional 100GB for first 6 months + bonus 88GB for first month. – Thereafter free 50GB – Free 1GB worldwide roaming pack |
| My Republic | $17.90 | 200GB | – 800 mins local outgoing talktime – 800 SMS |
M1 for 4G | – Free 1GB roaming data to Msia & Indo |
Read Also: Best Unlimited Data Mobile Plans In Singapore (Plus: Which Plan Gives The Most 4G Data Per Dollar?)
Here’s a summary table on the 5G plans to help you compare the coverage and features between each MVNO:
| 5G Mobile Plans | |||||
| Mobile Operator | Monthly Price | Data | Talktime (mins)/ SMS | Network | Remarks |
| Zero 1 | $25.44 | 60GB | – 500 mins local outgoing talktime – 500 SMS |
Singtel | – Free 60GB data for 12 months – Plus free 10GB data for 3 months – Free 1GB roaming data for 12 months – Free caller ID |
| Circles Life | $38 | 100 GB | – 300 mins local outgoing talktime – Free sms |
M1 | – 5G access in SG, Msia, Thai, Taiwan – Data can be used across 8 other Asian countries – Free caller ID |
| CMLink | $41.20 | 110GB | – 500 mins outgoing talktime – 500 SMS |
Singtel | – 50GB to use in mainland China and HK – 500 mins from local to mainland China and HK, Msia, Indo, Thai, and USA – Additional 1GB data to use in Msia, Indo and Thai |
| My Republic | $19.95 | 110 GB | – 1,200 mins local outgoing talktime – 1,200 sms |
StarHub for 5G | – Free 1GB roaming data for 6 months |
| ZYM Mobile | $28.50 | 110GB | – 500 mins local outgoing talktime – 500 SMS |
Singtel | – Free 1GB roaming data to Msia, Thai and Indo for 12 months – Free caller ID – Unused data rollover |
| VIVIFI | $25.50 | 160GB | – 400 mins local outgoing talktime – 200 SMS |
Singtel | – Free 1GB roaming data per month to Msia, Thai, Indo for 12 months – Free 10GB local data for 3 months – Free caller ID |
| GOMO | $25.46 | 288GB | – 1,000 mins local outgoing talktime – 1,000 SMS |
Singtel | – Additional 100GB for first 6 months + bonus 88GB for first month – Thereafter 100GB – Free 1GB worldwide roaming pack – Free caller ID |
*Pricing is derived from each MVNO official website, updated as of 14 February 2024.
Read Also: What Are The Best SIM-Only Plans In Singapore (2024 Edition)
3 Factors To Consider Before Signing Up With A MVNO
Without the need to maintain its own network infrastructure, MVNOs have the capacity to offer generous data plans with affordable price points and flexible policies. This is definitely good news for active data users.
But before you get too excited about more data coverage, consider these three factors before signing up with a MVNO:
#1 Usage Pattern:
Based on your past usage patterns, you should have a fairly good estimation of how much data, talktime and SMSes you need. Compare the plans between your existing service provider and other MVNOs to determine the most suitable option. Do also consider if you need overseas coverage or more flexibility in sharing data usage with your loved ones.
Read also: 5G Mobile Services: What Exactly Are You Paying For?
#2 Underlying Network Provider:
Most of us today have little tolerance for poor connection and slow loading speed. It may be helpful to find out the network that the MVNO is operating on and check for reviews before signing up. The process of porting over from your existing mobile plan to the MVNO may also influence your decision-making process.
Read Also: Guide To Overseas Data Roaming Plans
#3 Promotional Pricing:
Pay attention to the details attached to different promotional plans. While the pricing is attractive, you need to clarify on the terms and conditions such as validity period, eligibility criteria and miscellaneous fees.
Similar to how you will assess a company before investing in its stock, the same applies when it comes to choosing your mobile plan with a MVNO or telco. After all, there is no perfect plan but you can make a well-informed decision by getting the most suitable plan that serves your needs.
Featured Image Credit: Giovanni Lidya/DollarsAndSense
This article was first published on June 10, 2021 and has been updated to reflect the latest information.
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