Unlimited calls and data in Singapore: Fair usage policies explained

Most, if not all, telcos have a fair usage policy. If your mobile plan offers unlimited calls or data, you're likely well acquainted with the fair use policy. Let’s talk about what fair use is, why it’s applied to your plan, and what it means for your internet speed.

What are fair usage policies in Singapore?

Fair usage policies usually apply if you have a large data allowance or an unlimited data plan. They’re enforced as part of your telco’s terms of service, where you’re only allowed to use a specific amount of data at max speed. For example, if your plan includes unlimited local data, you might get 600GB at full speed, then managed speeds thereafter.

Fair usage policies are designed to reduce the speeds of users who might be taking advantage of the large data, SMS, or call allowances included in their plan. This is so telcos can ensure everyone has access to fast, reliable mobile internet. 

It also discourages those who generate high-volume traffic via file-sharing software or those who consistently download large files like movies via torrent apps, which can slow down the network for other users.

How do fair usage policies work in Singapore?

The fair usage policy doesn't just apply to data; it applies to SIM plans with "unlimited" calls and SMSes too.

If you exceed the daily fair usage specified by your telco, they’ll likely impose a limit on your account. For data, this might mean a speed limit until your next cycle, or for calls and SMS, it might mean suspended access to certain inclusions. In some cases, the telco reserves the right to restrict or terminate your account.

Each telco has a different fair usage policy, so it’s worth checking the fine print for specific numbers related to your plan. For example, StarHub’s fair use policy states that over 300 SMSes per day is considered excessive, while Singtel's fair use policy takes it up a notch with 10,000 SMSes in a month.

The fair usage policy aims to keep the telco’s network running smoothly. Some telcos, like Singtel and SIMBA, also use it to ensure their network isn't being used for commercial purposes. If you're caught engaging in behaviour that could adversely affect the mobile network, you could have your plan terminated. This includes sending unsolicited advertising purposes, like automated mass SMS broadcasts, telemarketing and promotional materials.

Telcos typically reserve the right to amend their fair usage cap and speed limit without any prior notice, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how much you’re using each month.

What happens if you breach a fair usage policy in Singapore?

Each telco has different daily or monthly limits that they consider to be breaching their fair usage policy. If you’re consistently exceeding the fair usage limit, you might be asked to ease off on the file sharing or downloading. Telcos typically reserve the right to throttle your monthly speeds, limit or suspend your access, or even terminate your account if you breach a fair usage policy.

In some cases (like with Singtel’s DataRoam packages), if you’ve exceeded the daily fair usage limit, you can purchase a speed booster for an additional price. 

Unlimited data plans in Singapore

While fibre broadband plans usually come with unlimited data (and we mean unlimited), SIM-only plans are a different story. Still, they can offer heavy data users a more cost-effective solution than capped-data plans.

Below is a look at the cheapest SIM-only plans with unlimited data.

#1	MyRepublic	MyRepublic 4G Rewardland Plan $18 Unlimited data on M1 4G network 2000 Minutes 100 Messages International Roaming Deal: For new number & Non-M1port-in sign-ups $18.00/mth Min. cost $18 Go	$18.00/mth Min. cost $18	Go
#2	GOMO	GOMO 5G+ Asia Infinity Unlimited data on Singtel's 5G network in selected areas with 5G devices Unlimited National Calls & SMS International Roaming Deal: $21.39 for the first mth, $30.56/mth thereafter. Use code GOMO30OFFQEG $30.56 + $2 Upfront Min. cost $23.40 Go	$30.56 + $2 Upfront Min. cost $23.40	Go
#3	CMLink	CMLink Unlimited 5G SIM Only Unlimited data on Singtel's 5G network 1000 Minutes 500 Messages International Roaming Deal: Free 600GB Malaysia roaming for 365 days for limited time only $31.10 Min. cost $31.10 Go	$31.10 Min. cost $31.10	Go
#4	StarHub	StarHub 5G Unlimited+ Core Unlimited data StarHub 5G network Unlimited National Calls & SMS International Roaming $38.00 Min. cost $38 Go	$38.00 Min. cost $38	Go
#5	Singtel	Singtel Enhanced Core SIM Only 5G+ Unlimited data Singtel 5G network 700 Minutes 700 Messages International Roaming Deal: Get up to $600 one-time cashback when you add a phone with PayLater $40.00 + $32.70 Upfront Min. cost $72.70 Go	$40.00 + $32.70 Upfront Min. cost $72.70	Go

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See More Plans ~ Last Updated 21/3/2026

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Fair usage policies FAQ

Are unlimited data plans actually unlimited?

Yes and no. Many plans that offer unlimited data will throttle speeds after a certain amount of data has been consumed. You still get access to that data, just not at full speed.

Once you reach the fair usage limit on your data allowance, your speed will drop significantly. If you’re consistently exceeding the fair usage limit, you might be asked by your telco to ease off on the file sharing or downloading. If you reach the fair use cap on your allocated calls or SMSes, or your telco has reason to believe you’re abusing their service, you may simply be unable to make calls or send SMSes until the next billing cycle, or in severe cases, your plan might be suspended, restricted or terminated.

The fine print might vary, but most, if not all, telcos, as a standard industry practice, have a fair use policy. This is to ensure their network isn’t taken advantage of and so they can provide a fast, reliable mobile network for all users.

Fibre broadband plans in Singapore usually come with truly unlimited data, but mobile plans with unlimited data usually include managed speeds or paid plan add-ons. To learn more, read our guide to the best unlimited data plans in Singapore.