Categories: Technology / Telecommunications

Eight Launches New 5G Plans: How the S$18 4G Move to 5G Could Benefit Users

Eight Launches New 5G Plans: How the S$18 4G Move to 5G Could Benefit Users

Eight Introduces Two New 5G Plans for SG Customers

Singapore’s MVNO Eight has unveiled two new 5G pricing plans designed to push users from 4G to 5G on its standalone 5G core. The shift is powered by a network arrangement with StarHub, enabling Eight to offer enhanced data experiences while leveraging a cost structure that makes annual billing attractive for long-term subscribers.

Healthier data inclusions and attractive annual pricing are the core hooks. The new Lucky Eight Plan and Triple Eight Plan promise larger 5G data allowances with the option to pay annually. This model has piqued consumer interest because it introduces a potential reduction in total cost of ownership when priced over a year, compared to the standard monthly payments.

Automatic Upgrade: From 4G to 5G

Eight has stated that customers currently on the S$18 per month 4G plan will be automatically moved to 5G under the new structure. This transition aligns with the broader industry push toward 5G‑first plans, where users can experience the benefits of lower latency, higher speeds, and improved network reliability without changing their plan base price immediately.

The automatic upgrade is positioned as a seamless way for users to experience 5G without the need for a separate activation or a new SIM. Subscribers will retain familiar pricing in the short term while gaining access to 5G capabilities, which may include faster downloads, better streaming quality, and more consistent performance in congested areas.

Two Plans, Two Ways to Save on 5G

The Lucky Eight Plan and Triple Eight Plan differ mainly in data allowances and annual pricing incentives. The company notes that both plans come with what appears to be a “never-ending” amount of 5G data, which is a strong selling point for heavy data users who don’t want to worry about hitting a cap.

What stands out is the annual payment option. For example, under the Triple Eight Plan, customers can pay S$168 per year, compared with the usual S$18 per month that would total S$216 over 12 months. The annual model results in a saving of nearly S$50 per year, a figure that may drive more customers to commit long term with Eight. This kind of pricing approach could influence how other telcos and MVNOs structure annualized plans in Singapore.

With the Lucky Eight Plan, users can expect similar advantages—substantial data provisions with a straightforward annual billing option. The emphasis on long-term savings makes these offerings particularly appealing to price-conscious consumers who value 5G capabilities but want predictable costs.

What This Means for Singapore’s 5G Market

Eight’s strategy signals a shift in how MVNOs bundle 5G access in Singapore. By leveraging a StarHub 5G core and offering auto-upgrading 4G customers to 5G, Eight can compete on both data depth and overall cost of ownership. For subscribers, the practical takeaway is clear: you can access robust 5G data without the fear of frequent price hikes or arbitrary data caps, all while enjoying potential annual savings.

Analysts will watch to see whether other operators follow Eight’s lead by introducing annualized 5G pricing. If this trend gains traction, it could prompt broader reevaluation of how 5G plans are marketed and sold, potentially reshaping consumer expectations around MVNO pricing in Singapore.

Next Steps for Shoppers

We will continue to monitor Eight’s pricing and the overall 5G MVNO landscape in Singapore. Expect updates on plan details, data allowances, and any catches associated with annual payments. For consumers, the practical approach is to compare the annualized cost with current monthly bills and assess usage patterns to determine whether the savings hold under real-world conditions.