Register for TPG Telecom now!

Good news

After the last posting on advicing NOT to sign up for new plans, TPG has announced on 21 Dec that they will start its registration process for its new subscriber base.  The first 20k subscribers are expected to use its mobile service for 1-year FREE.

Who is TPG Telecom?

TPG Telecom is the 4th mobile operator in Singapore.  Founded in 1986 and started mobile operation in 2008, it is the 2nd largest Australia fixed Telco with 400k subscribers.  Unlike Zero, Zero1 and CircleLife, TPG has its own fixed network infrastructure so it has full control over its network.

U-Turn on 24 months Senior Plan

They also claimed they are commited and look forward to contribute to the community.  In Mar 2018, they mentioned about 24 months plan for seniors above 65 years old but made an U-Turn on that decision.  Further details will be available.

What the plan offers?

20,0000 successful applicants will be expected to get the following plan:

1. 20 minutes of outgoing calls;
2. 20 SMS; and
3. Unlimited mobile data but above usage of 2GB will be throttled to 1Gbps.

Note: To watch a youtube video with powerpoint effect, a 2Gbps speed is needed.  Therefore, after 2GB, online high resolutions video will be expected to lag.

Target Segments

Based on the free plan, the target segments they are aiming are:

1. People with low calling and low sms needs;
2. Users with IoT or GPS devices;
3. Seniors or teenagers; and
4. Adults with a secondary line.

Conclusions

Looking at all plans offered by all competitors, there is no plan to match at such low price point unless you are paying S$9.90 with Zero1.  So, successful applicants stand to gain $120 for the free 1 year access.  Why wait? Register now to avoid disappointment.  Good luck to your application!

Read this before signing up SimOnly Plan

UPDATE: TPG Telecom has started the registration for 20,000 subscribers. Please register your interests HERE.  Read more about the plan HERE.

Why SimOnly Plans?

SimOnly plans were introduced because most handphones can last for more than 2 years and subscribers are smart enough NOT to sign up for outdated basic mobile phones to commit for 24 months now.

Such plans empower subscribers to focus on their needs for calling out minutes, sms and more importantly SUITABLE data plan to suit their personalised lifestyles.

In Dec 2018, all 3 Telcos gave out big bonuses data plan if subscribers renew their SimOnly plans.  Mobile data is the biggest profit for Telcos and why are they suddenly transforming to Santa Clauses in Dec 2018?   Read on to know the catch...

Too Good to be True?

Starhub surprised everyone by topping up free 10GB of data for SimOnly in early Dec for renewal and new sign ups.  M1 responded by offering 12 different plans to capture all market segments.  Singtel, being the slowest elephant, reluctantly responded with 10GB but offer NO free Caller ID.

To put simply, all 3 Telcos suddenly throw in 10GB as Christmas gifts in Dec. Starhub and M1 even throw in FREE Caller ID which normally ripped subscribers for S$5.25 (inclusive of GST).  Too good to be true?  There are 3 compelling reasons why they are Santa Clauses.

Reason 1: Virtual Telco unlimited plan

Zero and Zero1 are currently selling plans with unlimited data use.  The catch is once you exceed your allocated mobile plan size, your speed will be "trimmed" or slow and steady.

Reason 2: 5G is coming

Singapore has all the 5G infrasture ready due to its tiny size and the willingness to invest to become a smart nation.  With 5G promising 100 times faster than 4G, it will completely wipe out the need for wifi and easily download a movie in under 4 seconds.  By ramping up its users for 5G and cost sharing, it is cheaper to use 5G in the near future.

Reason 3: New Telco is coming

TPG Telecom will be launching in mid 2019 and they promise to give elderly (>65 yo) free 3G mobile services for 2 years.  This will remove the senior segment from the cake.

Cast the net with 10GB as bait

To lock and trap subscribers, they must give them a reason to sign another 12 or 24 months to prevent them from jumping to their competitors especially the new TPG Telecom.  Giving 10GB is peanut in the new 5G era and it is the best time to trap elephants and monkeys who are greedy.

Suggestions

If your contract is expiring soon, note that you can ONLY renew in end Dec 2019.  By mid Jun 2019, there will be a major shake up when TPG Telecom is onboard when good buffet are awaiting.

If you choose to sign up now, avoid Singtel and consider M1/Starhub no-contract plans only.  Restricting yourself now is foolish when you have more choices in mid 2019.  Let's look forward for a better 2019.

Reference sites:

1. Starhub
2. M1
3. Singtel

Get your free 20GB Unifi prepaid simcard

The headache for Malaysia prepaid simcard

Whenever you wish to use your sim card when you are in Malaysia, the first problem you encounter is TOP UP. Yes, before you use it, you must top up the sim card...if it is still valid within 50 days since your last use. If you never top up for more than 50 days, the simcard is dead and all its credit, data, call and sms credits are confiscated.

So if it is still within 50 days since its last top up, you will probably first top up with RM10 in 7-11 store in Malaysia and then consider buying some data for use.  You have to utilise your credits and purchase RM10 for 10 days of validity.  That's right. Your RM10 can use for another 10 days and you cannot make outgoing calls on the 11th day but you can receive calls or sms in the next 50 days.

The cycle and the frustration repeats itself every 50 days.  This nightmare will not longer haunt you if you get the new TM unifi prepaid simcard.  Read on for more details.

Introducing Telecom Malaysia (TM) Mobile@Unifi

TM is the national carrier for all landlines and it monopolises East of West Malaysia.  It owes Webe post paid mobile so its network is undoubtedly the best, comparable to Celcom.  The joining of TM into the telecom red-sea market will possibly stirs waves of changes in the already competitive market.

TM is well established with many outlets all over Malaysia.  The plan they introduces make subscribers more convenient and create values over the current big 3 (Celcom, Maxis and Digi). So, what is the big deal?  It has no EXPIRY DATE!

Advantages of Mobile@Unifi

With no expiry date, you don't have to worry about the 50-day expiry condition. You don't have to worry about hunting for the 7-11 store for the mandatory top up before you start using the card. The call, sms and data credits remain unchanged and if they are not enough, you just need to top up.

Is this important? Yes, it solves the key concerns of current subscribers who are being inconvenience by the current big 3.  Once you bought the card, it should be rightfully yours for you to use the simcard as and when you need it.  Another possible benefit is you can download wifi@unifi app and use the country network of 8000+ wifi hotspots which are offered free till further notice.

The simcard has roaming so you can use in other countries outside of Malaysia.  And there is bonuses to join as early birds

Bonus for Early birds

TM offers a limited 1 million simcard for early birds and you must join before 31 Mar 2018 (or while stocks last).  For early birds, you enjoy 10 mins call, 10 sms, 50MB of 3G data and 20GB of 4G LTE data.  Note that they have no expiry dates as long as the card is active.  For any individual, you can get up to 5 cards so effectively you can get 5x20GB or 100GB of data for free.  The best part is you can subscribe for a GOLDEN number or number with your name for easy remembering.

Is there any catch?

Yes. First and foremost, you must collect the simcard personally at one of the designated TM outlet in Malaysia. Secondly, there is limitation on the phone for 4G LTE.  Your phone must be supporting 850MHz or LTE Band B5 else you will only be able to use 3G data.  Next, you can only top up online or via local credit cards with VISA/Mastercard. The critial constraint is you must keep your line(s) active which must meet either of the following requirements within 90-day:

• Make 1 outgoing phone call;
• Send 1 outgoing sms;
• Browse for 1MB of data;
• Reload any amount between RM10, 30, 50 or 100; or
• Buy any of the data or voice or sms passes.

These requirements are simple to meet if you frequent Malaysia once every 3 months.  If you are using data for navigation, you can easily hit 1MB of data within a day.  In the beginning, it is likely you get more 3G network over 4G LTE so we must be patient.  OK, interested to sign up for one?

What are the processes?

The process is simple.

1. Download Mobile@Unifi from Google PlayStore or Apple store;
2. Register to get 1 to 5 new SIMs (Hint: Use any hotel address and telephone);
3. Suggest to use passport to register for non-Malaysians;
4. Ensure the email address (required for verification) is correct;
5. Select the nearest TM outlet for collection (nearest to Singapore is Komtar JBCC (next to City Square @2nd floor lot 136 operating from 10am to 10pm);
6. Take note of the earliest date of collection;
7. Bring your passport to collect the sim on or after the date of collection;
8. Jolly well do the above asap or way before 31 Mar 2018;
9. Activate and enjoy your new simcard(s) with your golden number(s);
10. Throw away your current simcard after you have exhausted its value (hopefully, if 4G LTE network is working wonderfully)!

If you have any query, post your comment below for discussion.

Which Digi Mobile Plan (Prepaid SIM) to choose?

Going to Malaysia

There is a growing number of Singaporeans who travel to Malaysia to shop and eat due to the attractive exchange rate of S$1 to RM3.12 (highest).  I have received many requests to update my best prepaid phone card for Singaporean and unfortunately, my other commitments deterred me from doing so.  I promise that I will update the blog soon.

Digi Prepaid SIM Data Plans

I am still having my loyal Digi Prepaid SIM.  Why Digi?  It is the most popular telco in Johor Bahru and the vouchers are available everywhere.  Although the network coverage is the worst among the 3 main telcos, it is the preferred choice for many Johorians due to its value for money plans.  Digi offers bonus plans if you select certain plans.  For selective plans, it offers unlimited Whatsapp and WeChat or some MB for Facebook for as low as RM 1, which none of the other telcos can match.  If you are keen in choosing one prepaid SIM card, choose the SMART prepaid and NOT the BEST prepaid for data.  An additional perk is you enjoy free unlimited calls and SMS to 3 buddyz and free basic internet and social app!

Unethical Business Model?

Normally, I am using HERE to navigate the streets.  But it does not help to avoid road works and accidents resulting in jams.  The online purchase of data plan is a nightmare and there are various ways to choose a plan such as *116, *126, *128 etc.  The presentation is messy, overlapping and confusing.  If you cannot win over the customers, confuse them?

To make matter worst, Digi fails to tell you that if you fail to unsubscribe the plan before you leave Malaysia, it will auto deduct the plan when you top up next time.  Well done!  It is okay to make good money but unethical to make it this way.  For a few times, I have topped up RM10 and instantly deducted RM5 for a plan I failed to unsubscribe last time.  Hello, Digi, where is your ethic?

Order in Chaos

I am fed up with this situation as I have no way to access the internet while on the road to read over the fine prints, I need to know what plan do I need before I enter Malaysia BUT I have no time to research.  Where can I find a website with such info?

I took some trouble and wrote a guide on what data plan should I be buying.  If you are a Digi prepaid customer, feel free to try out and tell me if it is working for you.  Inside this guide, I have omitted the overlapping plans which are repeated to confuse customers and highlight which plans you should avoid signing up.  The best part is you will be shown the DIRECT USSD CODE to send and select the plan to cater for your choice.  Remember to complete the guide and submit to find the most useful tip for UNLIMITED WEB SURFING even when you have run out of data.

Run through the guide and write down the code before you venture into Malaysia again.