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The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
No need for travel e-SIM or roaming: S'pore telcos offer generous cross-border data bundles
SINGAPORE: More local telcos are offering 'borderless' mobile plans at record low prices to woo an increasing number of globetrotting consumers. Such plans allow consumers to use a generous bundle of mobile data across borders without paying more, or activating a travel e-SIM or roaming feature. The latest to jump on this trend is M1, whose Maxx plan offers 290GB of data for use in Singapore and Malaysia for a record low of S$7.90 (US$6.16) a month. The plan also includes 10GB of mobile data for use in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan. This follows the January launch of Simba Telecom's S$10 monthly SuperRoam 10 plan that provides 300GB of 5G data that can be used in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. A separate 12GB of roaming mobile data for seven other Asian destinations is included in the same plan. Singapore's virtual telco started the borderless trend here in September 2023, when it let customers use 100GB across eight Asian destinations (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh). The monthly plan costs S$30 for the first three months, and S$37 after that. Fabian Sossa, vice-president of corporate and global marketing at said: 'The plan is designed for mobile professionals, digital nomads, students, tourists and families with cross-border ties... essentially anyone who needs connectivity across multiple countries without friction.' Since then, other telcos have followed suit. While most of these plans today cover connectivity in Malaysia, others also include popular Asian destinations like Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong. A rise in cross-border travel after the Covid-19 pandemic provided the initial impetus. For instance, the number of daily travellers at the Woodlands Checkpoint stood at 327,000 on average in 2024. This is up 22 per cent from the 269,000 in 2023, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Likewise, in 2024, Indonesia received 1.4 million visitors from Singapore, while Singapore received 2.49 million visitors from Indonesia. Singapore is one of the top five source countries for visitors to Indonesia, while Indonesia is the second-largest source country for visitors to Singapore. Experts said the setting up of special trade zones in the region and the upcoming launch of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will further boost demand for such mobile data plans. These special economic zones, which include the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, are meant to boost the flow of goods, services and people across borders, and reduce barriers to trade and investment. The RTS Link will connect Malaysia's second-largest city, Johor Bahru, and Woodlands in Singapore over the Strait of Johor. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Peter Liu, an analyst at Gartner specialising in telecoms, said the upcoming special economic zones will significantly increase business travel and create a new category of 'super commuters' comprising skilled professionals working across borders daily or weekly. 'The seamless border, competitive tax incentives and infrastructure investments will normalise cross-border work arrangements, making borderless connectivity services essential rather than optional for this emerging professional class,' he said. Even prior to the setting up of the economic zones, the number of Malaysians and Singaporeans crossing each other's borders already provides a captive market for telcos, said Simba Telecom chief technology officer Benjamin Tan. 'The days of rationing roaming data are behind us. Consumers today want to use their mobile devices as freely outside as they do at home,' he said. Shilpa Aggarwal, vice-president of mobile customer solutions at Singtel, also cited the large number of mobile workers between Singapore and Malaysia as a reason for the telco's generous Malaysia roaming data allowance. Gomo, a sub-brand of Singtel, offers a basic 300GB of local data as well as 6GB of roaming data for use in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Australia for S$15 a month. Soh Wei Sheng, 30, who recently completed his master's degree, subscribes to Simba's 300GB plan as he frequently travels to Malaysia and Indonesia for leisure with his family. 'It is affordable and hassle-free when I travel,' he said. Cinthia Poh, a 41-year-old civil servant, uses Singtel Gomo so she does not have to purchase travel SIM cards any more when she travels to Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. She usually buys add-ons when the overseas roaming data is insufficient. Analysts said it is unlikely that the regions covered by these borderless mobile plans will expand, as telcos still need to make money, particularly from roaming fees. Kiranjeet Kaur, associate research director at IDC, said: 'Roaming still forms a significant part of a telco's revenue. Incumbent telcos will still try to retain their consumer base with premium offerings rather than joining the race to the bottom in prices.' - The Straits Times/ANN
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
No need for travel e-SIM or roaming: Singapore telcos offer generous cross-border data bundles
[SINGAPORE] More local telcos are offering 'borderless' mobile plans at record low prices to woo an increasing number of globetrotting consumers. Such plans allow consumers to use a generous bundle of mobile data across borders without paying more, or activating a travel e-SIM or roaming feature. The latest to jump on this trend is M1, whose Maxx plan offers 290GB of data for use in Singapore and Malaysia for a record low of S$7.90 a month. The plan also includes 10GB of mobile data for use in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan. This follows the January launch of Simba Telecom's S$10 monthly SuperRoam 10 plan that provides 300GB of 5G data that can be used in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. A separate 12GB of roaming mobile data for seven other Asian destinations is included in the same plan. Singapore's virtual telco started the borderless trend here in September 2023, when it let customers use 100GB across eight Asian destinations (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh). The monthly plan costs S$30 for the first three months, and S$37 after that. Fabian Sossa, vice-president of corporate and global marketing at said: 'The plan is designed for mobile professionals, digital nomads, students, tourists and families with cross-border ties... essentially anyone who needs connectivity across multiple countries without friction.' BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Since then, other telcos have followed suit. While most of these plans today cover connectivity in Malaysia, others also include popular Asian destinations such as Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong. A rise in cross-border travel after the Covid-19 pandemic provided the initial impetus. For instance, the number of daily travellers at the Woodlands Checkpoint stood at 327,000 on average in 2024. This is up 22 per cent from the 269,000 in 2023, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Likewise, in 2024, Indonesia received 1.4 million visitors from Singapore, while Singapore received 2.49 million visitors from Indonesia. Singapore is one of the top five source countries for visitors to Indonesia, while Indonesia is the second-largest source country for visitors to Singapore. Experts said the setting up of special trade zones in the region and the upcoming launch of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will further boost demand for such mobile data plans. These special economic zones, which include the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, are meant to boost the flow of goods, services and people across borders, and reduce barriers to trade and investment. The RTS Link will connect Malaysia's second-largest city, Johor Bahru, and Woodlands in Singapore over the Strait of Johor. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Peter Liu, an analyst at Gartner specialising in telecoms, said the upcoming special economic zones will significantly increase business travel and create a new category of 'super commuters' comprising skilled professionals working across borders daily or weekly. 'The seamless border, competitive tax incentives and infrastructure investments will normalise cross-border work arrangements, making borderless connectivity services essential rather than optional for this emerging professional class,' he said. Even prior to the setting up of the economic zones, the number of Malaysians and Singaporeans crossing each other's borders already provides a captive market for telcos, said Simba Telecom chief technology officer Benjamin Tan. 'The days of rationing roaming data are behind us. Consumers today want to use their mobile devices as freely outside as they do at home,' he said. Shilpa Aggarwal, vice-president of mobile customer solutions at Singtel, also cited the large number of mobile workers between Singapore and Malaysia as a reason for the telco's generous Malaysia roaming data allowance. Gomo, a sub-brand of Singtel, offers a basic 300GB of local data as well as 6GB of roaming data for use in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Australia for S$15 a month. Soh Wei Sheng, 30, who recently completed his master's degree, subscribes to Simba's 300GB plan as he frequently travels to Malaysia and Indonesia for leisure with his family. 'It is affordable and hassle-free when I travel,' he said. Cinthia Poh, a 41-year-old civil servant, uses Singtel Gomo so she does not have to purchase travel SIM cards any more when she travels to Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. She usually buys add-ons when the overseas roaming data is insufficient. Analysts said it is unlikely that the regions covered by these borderless mobile plans will expand, as telcos still need to make money, particularly from roaming fees. Kiranjeet Kaur, associate research director at IDC, said: 'Roaming still forms a significant part of a telco's revenue. Incumbent telcos will still try to retain their consumer base with premium offerings rather than joining the race to the bottom in prices.' THE STRAITS TIMES
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
More telcos in Singapore offering ‘borderless' mobile plans to woo globetrotters
A rise in cross-border travel after the Covid-19 pandemic provided the initial impetus for 'borderless' mobile plans. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY SINGAPORE – More local telcos are offering 'borderless' mobile plans at record low prices to woo an increasing number of globetrotting consumers. Such plans allow consumers to use a generous bundle of mobile data across borders without paying more, or activating a travel e-SIM or roaming feature. The latest to jump on this trend is M1, whose Maxx plan offers 290GB of data for use in Singapore and Malaysia for a record low of $7.90 a month. The plan also includes 10GB of mobile data for use in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan. This follows the January launch of Simba Telecom's $10 monthly SuperRoam 10 plan that provides 300GB of 5G data that can be used in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. A separate 12GB of roaming mobile data for seven other Asian destinations is included in the same plan. Singapore's virtual telco started the borderless trend here in September 2023, when it let customers use 100GB across eight Asian destinations (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh). The monthly plan costs $30 for the first three months, and $37 after that. Mr Fabian Sossa, vice-president of corporate and global marketing at said: 'The plan is designed for mobile professionals, digital nomads, students, tourists and families with cross-border ties... essentially anyone who needs connectivity across multiple countries without friction.' Since then, other telcos have followed suit. While most of these plans today cover connectivity in Malaysia, others also include popular Asian destinations like Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong. A rise in cross-border travel after the Covid-19 pandemic provided the initial impetus. For instance, the number of daily travellers at the Woodlands Checkpoint stood at 327,000 on average in 2024. This is up 22 per cent from the 269,000 in 2023, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Likewise, in 2024, Indonesia received 1.4 million visitors from Singapore, while Singapore received 2.49 million visitors from Indonesia. Singapore is one of the top five source countries for visitors to Indonesia, while Indonesia is the second-largest source country for visitors to Singapore. Experts said the setting up of special trade zones in the region and the upcoming launch of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will further boost demand for such mobile data plans. These special economic zones, which include the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, are meant to boost the flow of goods, services and people across borders, and reduce barriers to trade and investment. The RTS Link will connect Malaysia's second-largest city, Johor Bahru, and Woodlands in Singapore over the Strait of Johor. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Mr Peter Liu, an analyst at Gartner specialising in telecoms, said the upcoming special economic zones will significantly increase business travel and create a new category of 'super commuters' comprising skilled professionals working across borders daily or weekly. 'The seamless border, competitive tax incentives and infrastructure investments will normalise cross-border work arrangements, making borderless connectivity services essential rather than optional for this emerging professional class,' he said. Even prior to the setting up of the economic zones, the number of Malaysians and Singaporeans crossing each other's borders already provides a captive market for telcos, said Simba Telecom chief technology officer Benjamin Tan. 'The days of rationing roaming data are behind us. Consumers today want to use their mobile devices as freely outside as they do at home,' he said. Ms Shilpa Aggarwal, vice-president of mobile customer solutions at Singtel, also cited the large number of mobile workers between Singapore and Malaysia as a reason for the telco's generous Malaysia roaming data allowance. Gomo, a sub-brand of Singtel, offers a basic 300GB of local data as well as 6GB of roaming data for use in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Australia for $15 a month. Mr Soh Wei Sheng, 30, who recently completed his master's degree, subscribes to Simba's 300GB plan as he frequently travels to Malaysia and Indonesia for leisure with his family. 'It is affordable and hassle-free when I travel ,' he said. Ms Cinthia Poh, a 41-year-old civil servant, uses Singtel Gomo so she does not have to purchase travel SIM cards any more when she travels to Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. She usually buys add-ons when the overseas roaming data is insufficient. Analysts said it is unlikely that the regions covered by these borderless mobile plans will expand, as telcos still need to make money, particularly from roaming fees. Ms Kiranjeet Kaur, associate research director at IDC, said: 'Roaming still forms a significant part of a telco's revenue. Incumbent telcos will still try to retain their consumer base with premium offerings rather than joining the race to the bottom in prices.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Telco software firm Circles targets listings on Nasdaq, SGX: CEO
co-founder and CEO Rameez Ansar said the IPOs will depend on market conditions and regulators in both countries. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY SINGAPORE – The parent company of local virtual telco pioneer may opt for a listing on the Nasdaq in New York, while the telco itself looks to hold an initial public offering (IPO) on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). Mr Rameez Ansar, who is the chief executive officer and co-founder of Circles, told The Straits Times on May 27 that the IPOs will depend on market conditions and regulators in Singapore and the US. He noted that the double listings would aim to let and the fast-growing Circles software business focus on how they can each best grow, yet retain the benefits of their shared roots. Though he was reticent to pin down when the IPOs might occur, Mr Ansar noted the company has a two-year target to reach 'world-class' business metrics to secure sterling share performance. 'We should be (in a position where), if we have to flip a switch and list, we'd have a good starting point in the US business,' he said, adding that the company has already tied up with American telecommunications giant AT&T. The software business sells and helps deploy a one-stop platform that allows telcos to oversee billing, activate e-SIM cards and provide customer service, among other features. The software, called Circles X and originally built for has now been adopted by customers as far afield as Japan, Pakistan and Mexico. Mr Ansar had just returned from a work trip to the US earlier in May where he had talks with six or so telcos about potential partnerships. 'We have a global software business; it's critical software we make, it's got the right margins, the right revenue growth, so the option is up to us,' he said at the company's new headquarters in Alexandra Terrace. 'I would say that the IPO is a primary strategy right now, but it is also something that gives the business focus.' He declined to reveal specific numbers for the privately held company, but said annual revenue for the software business has crossed the US$100 million (S$129 million) mark, with a growth rate at well above 30 per cent a year and gross margins of over 70 per cent. The software business also has an order book in excess of US$100 million, Mr Ansar added, noting that the unit grew larger than around a year ago. The company's backers include private equity giant Warburg Pincus and EDBI, the investment arm of Singapore's Economic Development Board. Mr Ansar did not entirely rule out another round of private equity fund raising as an alternative to the two listings, nor divesting to fund the software unit's growth plans. However, divestment is not on the cards at this point, despite a November 2024 report from financial news outlet Bloomberg that Circles was weighing up a sale. Mr Ansar said customers have approached Circles on the basis that its software was used to build a viable digital telco – – from scratch. The experience has let Circles understand what telcos need, underscoring how interlinked both brands are, he said. 'I think (the way) people still look at us is like: 'Wow, you guys are a real operator. You're not coming in telling me how the world works as a vendor.'' Still, he conceded there was a possibility for the story to become less relevant to the software business if it gains a much larger customer base on the basis of the platform's brand. The organisational restructuring to allow the listings occurred in 2024, with the delineation of three units: Circles the software provider; and travel eSIM business Jetpac. But an SGX listing would allow to stand and grow on its own merits, including expanding the digital telco beyond Singapore under its own financial muscle, rather than that of the software business, he added. could even, in time, pay licence fees to Circles for the use of Circles X in this scenario. which was launched in 2016, currently operates only in Singapore, though Circles has been operating digital telcos for some overseas customers who do not want to run these digital telcos themselves. Mr Ansar also said each of Circles' individual business lines, as well as the group as a whole, has broken even. He said the idea of listing on the SGX was spurred by the Government's push to revitalise the local bourse. The equities market review group proposed giving corporate income tax rebates for new listings, a recommendation the Government accepted earlier in 2025. Mainboard-listed telcos Singtel and StarHub have posted strong earnings in recent months, albeit on the back of business from enterprises such as data centres and smart city connectivity. Mr Ansar also said the cut-throat price competition in Singapore's consumer telecoms market has led to underinvestment in infrastructure, innovation and providing customers with a better experience. 'Your telco service is being given to you at a price that is one-fourth the price of a cocktail you can buy in that country. It's not about... accessibility, affordability. This is not the question here any more. The question is: What is the trade-off you've made?' For its part, has been trying to provide fresh offerings to customers, such as free, unlimited use of OpenAI's GPT-4.1 generative artificial intelligence model for mobile subscribers. Mr Ansar added that contrary to the past, when infrastructure and consumer-facing parts of a telco business had to be integrated to operate efficiently, it is now more efficient for telco infrastructure and consumer businesses to be separated. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
