Who Should Be Getting and Using a SIM-Only Plan?

Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing about who should be getting and using a SIM-Only Plan.

When it comes to mobile phone plans, most Singaporean consumers typically choose bundles that include a mobile device, usually from major telecom companies like Singtel, StarHub, M1, or SIMBA. This is understandable as, up until recently, few alternatives to this setup appealed to most locals. In recent years, however, SIM-only plans from smaller mobile virtual network operators (MNVOs) have started to gain a small but serious market share.

SIM-only plans are not new, but the competitive rates offered by MNVOs have made them very worthwhile for some types of users, particularly budget-conscious individuals, minimalists, frequent travelers and techies. Finding the cheapest SIM only plan has also become much easier, thanks to the rise of new localized metasearch engines, making these options more accessible to a variety of consumers.

But are SIM-only plans right for you? If you’re in one of the categories of users below, a SIM-only mobile plan may very well be in your future:

1) Budget-Conscious Individuals

These users are a continuously growing consumer segment within Singapore. Inflation has reached record highs and, in some industries, median salaries are no longer affording the types of lifestyles people are aiming for. As a result, we’ve seen the rise of budget-conscious consumers within the city-state. What’s more, unlike in previous economic downturns, these individuals have the internet and tech comparison sites at their disposal, so they’re able to quickly hone in on the best deals. 

With their substantially lower monthly rates, lack of device subsidies, and better control over data costs, SIM-only plans are a no-brainer for these types of users. This is especially true for those who have no desire to keep buying the newest phones coming out on the market each year.

2) Phone Upgrade Enthusiasts

While SIM-only plans are great for people who don’t really care to update their phones, they also make a lot of sense for those who want the best and latest devices. With traditional contract plans, Singapore-based users are often locked into a fixed contract period, typically two years, before they can upgrade their phone. What’s more, these phones often come preloaded with all kinds of useless applications that only serve to slow down the device. 

However, with a SIM-only plan, users have the freedom to purchase a new phone separately and switch to a different plan whenever they desire. Additionally, for those who are interested in devices that are not intended to be sold within the SG market, SIM-only plans are the way to maximize the use of these devices within Singapore.

3) Frequent Travelers

For Singaporeans who frequently travel abroad, a SIM-only plan can be incredibly advantageous. SIM-only plans give frequent travelers the freedom to swap out their SIM card for a local one in the country they’re visiting, avoiding expensive roaming charges and granting access to more affordable local rates for calls, texts, and data. If you frequently travel or expect to need to use your phone heavily when you’re overseas, going the SIM-only route can be the most cost-effective way to stay connected.

4) People Who Want to Use Their SIM-Lock-Free Devices

If, like many people, you already own an old yet perfectly serviceable SIM-lock-free phones or tablet that’s sitting unused in a drawer somewhere, a SIM-only plan can allow you to get more use of it as a secondary device. What’s more, by opting for a SIM-only plan, you can take advantage of competitive pricing offered by smaller telecom companies and choose a plan that’s optimized for your needs.

5) Minimalist Users

While this category of user often overlaps with budget-conscious individuals, it can be argued that minimalists comprise a category of their own, as their motivations for getting a SIM-only plan have less to do with saving money and more to do with leading a less complicated life. 

Even in cases where they can comfortably afford pricier bundles, minimalists may prefer SIM-only plans simply because they do not see the point in unlimited data or talk time, given their current lifestyle and usage patterns. Additionally, SIM-only plans make the most sense with the dumb phones experiencing a resurgence in popularity among younger minimalists.

Are SIM-Only Plans a Good Fit for You?

Chances are that you might be able to envision yourself in one of these categories, which means that a SIM-only plan may be a suitable option for you. Granted, there are plenty of use cases for traditional bundled plans, particularly for local businesses and individuals who expect to use their phones quite heavily in Singapore. But if you’re the type who wants to live frugally, lead a simple life, or get more use out of certain devices, a SIM-only plan may provide the best possible fit for your lifestyle.