Singapore MVNOs vs MNOs: Pros and cons

By Hannah Geremia

Last updated 17 March 2026

Contents

In this guide:

What's the difference between an MNO and an MVNO?
Singapore MVNOs: The pros and cons
Singapore MNOs: The pros and cons
Singapore MVNOs and MNOs: FAQs

MVNOs are getting more and more popular, especially as people prioritise affordable SIM-only plans. Here's what you need to know about MNOs and MVNOs in Singapore, so you can make an informed choice when it comes to your phone plan.

What's the difference between an MNO and an MVNO?

In Singapore, there are four major carriers: M1, SIMBA, StarHub, and Singtel. They’re known as Mobile Network Operators, or MNOs. They own the network’s physical infrastructure and license coverage to MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). These carriers purchase network connectivity at wholesale prices and repackage it into customised plans.

MVNOs typically focus on lower-cost, data-focused plans, whereas MNOs offer additional perks like broadband bundles, devices, and entertainment add-ons. Even though coverage might be similar across MVNOs on the same network, prices, inclusions, and customer service experiences can vary wildly.

Singapore MVNOs: The pros and cons

Even though the MNO provides coverage, MVNOs still get to set their own prices, speeds, and inclusions. Because they’ve got lower overheads, and they don’t have to pay for network and infrastructure-related costs, they’re more likely to offer cheaper plans with more data than an MNO.

Consequently, they’re more likely to focus on offering customised plans and no-contract SIM-only plans with a focus on eSIMs, so they don’t have to cover the cost of SIM card stock, postage, and handling.

Some MVNOs focus on specific segments, like Asia roaming or big data allowances, since they can typically provide higher data allowances (albeit capped) at a lower cost per GB.

However, because of the partial reliance on the MNO, MVNOs typically gravitate towards digital-only customer service channels. This usually includes a WhatsApp hotline, chatbot, or an email address where customers can send an inquiry. While some MVNOs (like Circles.Life, RedOne, and CMLink) do have a physical store, they typically rely on digital channels for customer service.

MVNOs don’t always stock devices, either. So, if you’re after the latest iPhone on a 12-month contract, a plan with an MVNO might not be the best option.

While a plan with an MVNO might seem attractive for cost-savvy users looking for a cheaper deal on a SIM-only plan, it does have its caveats. If you want a phone on a plan or prefer to visit a brick-and-mortar store, we’d recommend considering an MNO.

Below is a look at the cheapest SIM-only plans from MVNOs in our database.

#1	MyRepublic	MyRepublic 4G Flex 150GB data on M1 4G network 100 Minutes 50 Messages International Roaming Deal: Flash Sale: 150GB for $6/mth for new number & port-in sign-ups $6.00/mth Min. cost $6 Go	$6.00/mth Min. cost $6	Go
#2	ZYM Mobile	ZYM Mobile Flexi Duo Data Only 77GB data on Singtel network No Calls Included International Roaming Deal: Free eVoucher worth $190 + Use promo code 'WHISTLEOUT' to get 3x chances to win Galaxy Buds 3, worth $258 $7.00 + $3 Upfront Min. cost $10 Go	$7.00 + $3 Upfront Min. cost $10	Go
#3	Zero1	Zero1 Starter Prime 4G 200GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages International Roaming Deal: Roam Malaysia 100GB for 365 days $7.06 Min. cost $7.06 Go	$7.06 Min. cost $7.06	Go
#4	CMLink	CMLink 200GB 4G SIM Only 200GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages International Roaming Deal: Free 100GB Malaysia roaming for 365 days for new sign-ups only $7.70 Min. cost $7.70 Go	$7.70 Min. cost $7.70	Go
#5	VIVIFI	VIVIFI Roam Value 4G 200GB data on Singtel's 4G network 300 Minutes 100 Messages International Roaming $7.70 Min. cost $7.70 Go	$7.70 Min. cost $7.70	Go
#6	Maxx	Maxx 290GB SIM Only 290GB data on M1 network 500 Minutes 99 Messages International Roaming Deal: Online Exclusive: $7.90 promotional price for the first 12 cycles for new sign-ups and number port-ins $7.90 Min. cost $7.90 Go	$7.90 Min. cost $7.90	Go

Singapore MNOs: The pros and cons

Thanks to their bigger budget, MNOs are more likely to offer a greater variety of mobile plans and offer long-term contracts with subsidised phones. These contracts can sometimes include free streaming subscriptions with sites like Disney Plus, Netflix, HBO Max, and Spotify, as well as loyalty reward points and bundle discounts. MNOs like StarHub, for example, offer broadband bundles that include several entertainment subscriptions, high-speed internet, and a router.

Unlike MVNOs, all MNOs have physical stores and are more likely to offer multiple customer service channels. It's typically easier to get a hold of them, whether via a chatbot or mobile.

MNOs are also more likely to offer useful add-on services. Singtel, for example, offers unlimited data add-ons and mobile security options like VPNs, while M1 offers tech support via FoneCare+ and free weekend data.

However, because MNOs are inclined to spend big on maintaining and upgrading their telecommunications network, their plans are less likely to be as competitively priced. They may not include as much data in their offerings; however, almost all MNOs offer extra data add-ons should you need them.

Below is a look at the cheapest SIM-only plans from MNOs in our database.

#1	StarHub	StarHub Data Only Core 20GB data StarHub 5G network No Calls Included International Roaming $5.00 Min. cost $5 Go	$5.00 Min. cost $5	Go
#2	SIMBA Editor's Pick	SIMBA Editor's Pick SuperRoam 10 SIM Only 400GB data SIMBA mobile digital network (5G) Unlimited National Calls 100 Messages International Roaming $10.00 Min. cost $10 Go	$10.00 Min. cost $10	Go
#3	Singtel	Singtel $12 hi! 4G Monthly Plan 250GB data Singtel 4G network 300 Minutes 50 Messages International Roaming Deal: Port-in Offer: $10/mth for 12 months when you transfer an existing number to hi! $12.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go	$12.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go
#4	M1	M1 300GB Tourist eSIM 300GB data M1 4G network 1000 Minutes 500 Messages International Roaming $14.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go	$14.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go

Singapore MVNOs and MNOs: FAQs

Are MVNOs or MNOs better for roaming?

If you’re after data, both MVNOs and MNOs offer generous data roaming inclusions and add-ons. However, very few MVNOs offer roaming calls and SMS, making MNOs the better choice if you plan on making calls or texting while overseas. It’s worth checking out our best data roaming plans page and our best roaming mobile plans for voice and SMS page for a deeper dive into roaming and provider inclusions.

Are MVNOs or MNOs cheaper?

MVNOs typically offer cheaper plans with more data, since they have lower overhead costs. However, you typically won’t get the same inclusions or access to a brick-and-mortar store offered by MNOs.

Should I switch to an MVNO or MNO?

At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. If you want a cheaper deal while still enjoying the coverage that big networks like Singtel offer, consider an MVNO. If you want a phone on a plan or some extra inclusions like entertainment, consider an MNO.