Who Offers the Best Mobile Coverage in Singapore?

Introduction

Singapore's mobile network landscape is competitive and dynamic, with multiple telcos and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) providing a range of services across the island. As of mid-2025, choosing the best telco for mobile coverage in Singapore involves understanding key factors such as network reach, speed, reliability, and regional strengths. In this blog, we will help you navigate Singapore’s mobile landscape and identify which telco offers the best coverage for your needs.

Overview of Singapore’s Mobile Network Landscape

Singapore is home to a competitive telecom market with a mix of established telcos and newer MVNOs offering various plans and coverage options. The key players in the mobile network space include:

• Singtel – The largest telco in Singapore, known for its extensive coverage and premium services.

• StarHub – A telco offering strong network performance, particularly in urban areas.

• M1 – M1 is known for its focus on 5G and affordability, with an innovative approach to mobile services.

• MVNOs like Circles.Life, GOMO, and GIGA – These mobile providers operate on the infrastructure of the major telcos but offer flexible and competitive plans at often lower prices.

The telecom sector in Singapore is regulated by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which ensures fair competition and enforces high standards of service quality. The major telcos and MVNOs are continuously evolving to meet the growing demands for fast mobile data, reliable service, and value-for-money plans.

What Makes a Telco the Best in Singapore?

Determining which telco has the best coverage in Singapore requires considering several critical factors that affect mobile service quality. These factors include network coverage, mobile internet speed, call quality, and reliability.

Network Coverage (4G/5G Availability)

Network coverage is a crucial factor in determining the best telco. A wide-reaching network ensures that users remain connected, whether they are in urban or rural areas. 5G availability is especially important for users who require high-speed data for streaming, gaming, or professional tasks.

Mobile Internet Speed

Mobile internet speed plays a significant role in a telco’s performance. Fast download and upload speeds are essential for a smooth user experience, especially when streaming videos, using social media, or playing mobile games.

Call Quality & Video Experience

Clear calls and smooth video experiences are essential for users who rely on their mobile networks for communication. Whether for business calls, video conferences, or personal conversations, call quality remains a key differentiator between telcos.

Latency & Reliability

Low latency ensures that data is transferred quickly without delays, which is crucial for real-time applications such as gaming, video calling, and financial transactions. Reliable service, with minimal network drops, is also critical for users who need uninterrupted connectivity.

Coverage Comparison of Telcos in Singapore

Network coverage is the backbone of any mobile service. Here's a breakdown of how the telcos in Singapore compare when it comes to network availability for 4G and 5G.

Network Availability by Provider (5G & 4G)

All four telcos listed above provide high-quality 5G and 4G coverage across Singapore. However, Circles.Life is considered to have an excellent value-for-performance ratio by providing strong coverage at competitive prices, especially for urban areas.

Speed & Performance Comparison of Telcos in Singapore

When it comes to mobile internet speed, the ability to download and upload large files quickly is essential for users who stream videos, play games, or rely on their smartphones for work. Let’s look at the performance comparison of these networks in terms of speed.

Mobile Internet Speed (Download & Upload)

StarHub leads in terms of download speed, providing the fastest connection for heavy data users. However, Circles.Life offers solid performance for most users, with competitive upload speeds and latency that ensures a smooth experience for day-to-day tasks.

Consistency & Reliability Comparison of Telcos in Singapore 

Consistency and network reliability are essential for users who need uninterrupted service. It’s not just about peak speeds, but also about how well the network performs under pressure, especially during high-demand periods. The following table compares the stability and reliability of major telcos.

Network Stability Ratings

The overall stability of StarHub and Circles.Life stands out, with both having excellent ratings for call quality and video experience. M1 and Singtel are slightly behind, but still provide good reliability.

Network Strength by Region

In a city-state like Singapore, network strength can vary by region. Let’s take a look at how different areas perform in terms of mobile network strength, particularly for 4G and 5G availability.

Network Strength by Region

In the central areas, StarHub offers superior coverage, but in regions like the East Coast and West Coast, all four providers provide excellent or good network strength.

MVNOs: Affordable Alternatives

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) operate on the infrastructure of major telcos but often offer more flexible plans at lower prices. Here's how some of the popular MVNOs compare:

Circles.Life stands out as an affordable option that offers solid network coverage, particularly for users seeking a balance of performance and cost.

Mobile Network Reliability in Singapore: The Role of 5G

As Singapore continues to expand its 5G infrastructure, 5G coverage is becoming a vital factor in determining the best mobile provider. The rollout of standalone 5G networks is expected to revolutionize the mobile experience by providing faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable service across the island.

In 2024, Singapore was among the first countries to launch a nationwide standalone 5G network, with Singtel, StarHub, and M1 leading the way. Circles.Life, operating on M1’s network, has also begun offering 5G services, further expanding 5G access for consumers.

5G Speed and Latency: What’s the Difference?

The key advantage of 5G over 4G is the significant improvement in speed and latency. 5G networks can offer download speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G, enabling seamless 4K video streaming, ultra-low latency for online gaming, and faster uploads for large files.

• Download Speeds: 5G networks are capable of delivering download speeds between 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps, depending on the area.

• Latency: 5G offers a massive reduction in latency, making it ideal for applications that require real-time communication, such as remote work, telemedicine, and virtual reality.

With its broader coverage and faster speeds, 5G is increasingly becoming a deciding factor in choosing the best telco in Singapore, particularly for those who require the fastest mobile internet.

Price Comparison: Value for Money Across Telcos

When selecting the best mobile plan in Singapore, price is always a consideration. Telcos in Singapore provide a wide variety of plans, from budget options to premium offerings that cater to users with different data needs. While StarHub may provide premium performance, MVNOs like Circles.Life and GOMO often offer lower-cost plans without sacrificing much in terms of coverage or service quality.

Monthly Plan Price Comparison

Best Value Plans

For budget-conscious users, Circles.Life and GOMO stand out with affordable plans offering a solid balance of data and coverage. These plans are ideal for individuals or families who require a reliable network without the premium price tag of telcos like Singtel or StarHub.

However, for those who prioritize unlimited data and 5G access, StarHub offers comprehensive 5G plans that might be worth the higher cost, especially for tech enthusiasts and heavy mobile data users.

Telco Bundles: Combining Mobile with Home Services

If you're considering signing up for a mobile plan, it may be worthwhile to explore telco bundles that combine mobile services with broadband and entertainment packages. Singtel, StarHub, and M1 all offer such bundles, which can help users save money by consolidating their services.

Mobile + Broadband Bundles

Bundling services can be more convenient for users who want everything in one package. For example, StarHub’s 5G + fibre bundle offers the fastest available broadband speed and unlimited mobile data, ideal for both home and on-the-go needs.

How to Choose the Best Telco Plan for Your Usage Needs

Choosing the best telco plan for you goes beyond simply comparing prices and coverage. It involves understanding your personal or family usage patterns, including data consumption, voice calls, and whether you plan to use 5G for data-heavy applications like gaming or streaming.

Heavy Data Users

If you regularly stream HD content or engage in data-intensive tasks, consider a 5G plan. StarHub and Singtel offer the fastest mobile internet speeds, making them the best choice for users who need rapid download speeds and low latency.

Casual Data Users

If you primarily use mobile data for social media, messaging, and browsing, you might be able to save money by opting for a budget-friendly plan from Circles.Life or GOMO. These plans typically offer adequate data speeds and reliable coverage for everyday use.

Business Users

For business users, network reliability and call quality are crucial. Look for telcos with high consistency scores and low call drop rates, such as StarHub and Circles.Life, which provide exceptional service in these areas.

The Future of Mobile Networks in Singapore

Looking ahead, the future of mobile networks in Singapore is centered around 5G and the continued expansion of standalone 5G networks. As more sectors, from healthcare to logistics, adopt 5G technology, users will see even faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved coverage in previously underserved areas.

In addition, the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart home appliances and wearables, will increase the demand for robust mobile networks. 5G is expected to provide the backbone for these innovations, offering the capacity to support millions of devices simultaneously with near-zero latency.

As 5G coverage becomes more widespread, telcos will continue to enhance their offerings, making it even more essential for consumers to stay informed on the best mobile network options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which telco has the best coverage in Singapore?

StarHub offers the best overall coverage, including 5G and 4G availability, across Singapore.

Is Circles.Life faster than other providers for mobile data?

Circles.Life offers competitive speeds, with solid download speeds of up to 95 Mbps and low latency, making it a great option for most users.

Which telco is best for gaming and streaming?

For gaming and streaming, StarHub is the best option, offering the fastest download speeds and low latency.

Do all telcos in Singapore support 5G?

Yes, Singtel, StarHub, and M1 all support 5G services. MVNOs like Circles.Life also offer 5G coverage.

How can I check mobile coverage in my area?

You can check mobile coverage in your area using coverage maps provided by each telco or third-party websites like nperf.com.

Final Thoughts

After evaluating the best telco in Singapore for coverage, speed, and reliability, StarHub emerges as the leader in overall performance, with Circles.Life following closely for those seeking budget-friendly options. M1 offers good performance for rural areas, while Singtel shines with its 5G capabilities.

Ultimately, the best telco for you depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize fast internet speeds, consistent network performance, or affordability. It’s also important to consider regional coverage, as some telcos perform better in specific areas.