Eight Expands 5G Access with Auto-Enrollment from the S$18 4G Plan
Singapore’s Eight is rolling out a pair of new 5G plans designed to pull more users onto its standalone 5G core. The service, which is leased from StarHub, marks a notable shift as the mobile provider migrates customers on its existing S$18 4G plan to a 5G experience without requiring a new device or a complex sign-up flow. The two new offerings—the Lucky Eight Plan and the Triple Eight Plan—promise generous 5G data and a pricing structure that includes appealing annual options.
What’s Included in Eight’s New 5G Plans
While details are still being compiled, the core promise of Eight’s new 5G lines centers on >plentiful data and a straightforward transition path from 4G to 5G. Customers on the legacy S$18 4G plan are being moved automatically toward the 5G journey, aligning with Eight’s strategy to simplify the customer experience and accelerate the adoption of 5G services in its network ecosystem.
The Two Plans: Lucky Eight and Triple Eight
Eight introduces two distinct price plans intended to cater to different usage patterns:
- Lucky Eight Plan: A flexible 5G package with substantial data inclusions that appeals to average to heavy data users who want reliable nationwide 5G coverage.
- Triple Eight Plan: A higher-tier option designed for those seeking premium data allotments with potential savings when paid annually.
Both plans are structured to offer what appears to be “unlimited-like” 5G access, complemented by an annual payment option that can significantly reduce the overall cost when compared with the standard monthly rate.
Annual Pricing: A Key Differentiator
The standout feature of Eight’s strategy is the inclusion of annual pricing. For instance, under the Triple Eight Plan, customers can pay S$168 per year. This is notably lower than paying S$18 per month, which would total S$216 over the same 12-month period. The annual option translates into savings of roughly S$48 to S$50, depending on the plan and billing cycle.
Industry observers note that these annual-price structures could prompt competitive responses from other telcos, potentially driving broader shifts in how Singaporean MVNOs market 5G. Whether Eight’s approach signals a longer-term trend remains to be seen, but the immediate effect is clear: more affordable 5G access for those who opt into yearly billing.
<h2 Implications for Consumers and the Market
For consumers, Eight’s two new 5G plans offer a clearer path to 5G without the friction of frequent re-sign-ups or device upgrades. The automatic migration from the S$18 4G plan to 5G can be a boon for users who want to explore 5G benefits—faster data speeds, lower latency, and better performance in 5G-enabled areas—without the typical signup hurdles.
From a market perspective, the move could press other operators and MVNOs to revisit their 5G pricing and onboarding strategies. The annual payment model is an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who prefer predictable yearly expenses and potential savings. It will be interesting to watch whether other providers mirror Eight’s annual pricing approach or experiment with bundled perks that make long-term commitments more appealing.
What’s Next and How to Stay Updated
We’ll be monitoring Eight’s 5G pricing evolution and will update this article with any changes to the Lucky Eight and Triple Eight plans, including data caps, roaming options, and any promotional add-ons. If you’re considering a move to Eight’s new 5G ecosystem, you’ll want to compare the annual versus monthly costs, assess your typical data usage, and verify coverage in your area to maximize the value of your subscription.
In the meantime, Eight’s approach to 5G—driven by a standalone core and a streamlined upgrade path—highlights how MVNOs can innovate on pricing structures to accelerate 5G adoption while offering tangible savings to subscribers.
