With rising competition in Singapore’s mobile scene, Eight Telecom has fired a shot across the bow of rival SIMBA by launching its new $5 Senior Plan. Targeting seniors aged 60 and above, it mirrors SIMBA’s popular offering—but will it actually sway subscribers?
Side-by-Side: Plan Features Comparison
Feature
Eight Telecom
SIMBA
Local Data
388GB SG-MY
400GB SG-MY-HK
APAC Roaming
6GB
3GB
International Roaming
2GB
3GB
Local Talktime
388 mins
Unlimited (mobile) + 400 fixed-line mins
IDD Minutes
88 mins
100 mins
Local SMS
88
100
Monthly Cost
$5
$5
At face value, both plans are neck-and-neck. Eight edges ahead slightly in roaming data, while SIMBA leads in IDD, talktime, and global network reach.
Why Impact May Be Limited
Despite Eight’s tempting 2-month free promo, making a significant dent in SIMBA’s senior subscriber base won’t be easy—and here’s why:
Sunk Costs: Many seniors have topped up several hundred dollars into their SIMBA wallets last year. Switching might mean leaving unused credit on the table.
Marginal Gains: Eight’s perks don’t drastically exceed SIMBA’s. Without major differentiation, the incentive to jump ship feels thin.
Ecosystem Stickiness: SIMBA allows up to 4 senior lines per account, which suits multi-line households better than Eight’s 2-line limit.
Brand Momentum: SIMBA has cultivated trust and visibility among seniors through consistent advertising and a robust network. Eight, by contrast, is still building recognition.
Bottom Line
While Eight’s plan shows ambition and a clear desire to compete, the reality is that seniors often prioritize convenience, existing investments, and peace of mind over minor technical advantages. For now, the battle may be more about visibility and incentives than pure specs.
