Quick Answer: Singtel vs M1
Singtel is Singapore’s largest telecom with 4.5 million subscribers and 43 percent broadband market share. Fiber plans start at SGD 39.90 for 3 Gbps and reach SGD 65.90 for 10 Gbps with WiFi 7 routers included on all tiers.
M1 is Singapore’s third-largest provider with 2 million customers and the most affordable fiber pricing. The 10 Gbps HomePac plan costs just SGD 34.90 per month, saving SGD 31 compared to Singtel.
Quick verdict: M1 for the lowest fiber prices. Singtel for premium features and included routers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The table below compares Singtel and M1 across key features and pricing for Singapore users.
| Feature | Singtel | M1 |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 4.5M+ | 2M+ |
| Market Share (Broadband) | 43% (#1) | ~15% (#3) |
| Founded | 1879 | 1994 |
| Parent Company | Temasek Holdings | Keppel Ltd (selling to Simba) |
| Fiber 3 Gbps Price | SGD 39.90/month | SGD 32.90/month |
| Fiber 5/6 Gbps Price | SGD 49.90/month (5 Gbps) | SGD 38.90/month (6 Gbps) |
| Fiber 10 Gbps Price | SGD 65.90/month | SGD 34.90/month |
| Max Fiber Speed | 10 Gbps symmetrical | 10 Gbps symmetrical |
| WiFi 7 Router | Included (all plans) | Included (3/6 Gbps only) |
| 5G Mobile | From SGD 35/month | From SGD 14.95/month |
| Contract Length | 24 months | 24 months |
| ONT Fee | SGD 61.04 | None |
Test Your Singtel Speed | Test Your M1 Speed
Speed Comparison
Fiber Broadband Speed
Both providers deliver symmetrical fiber through the shared NetLink Trust network. Maximum speeds depend on router quality, ethernet cable rating, and connected device capabilities.
Singtel Fiber Plans:
- 3 Gbps: SGD 39.90/month (WiFi 7 router included)
- 5 Gbps: SGD 49.90/month (WiFi 7 router included)
- 10 Gbps: SGD 65.90/month (WiFi 7 BE22000 router included)
M1 HomePac Fiber Plans:
- 3 Gbps: SGD 32.90/month (WiFi 7 router included)
- 6 Gbps: SGD 38.90/month (WiFi 7 router included)
- 10 Gbps: SGD 34.90/month (bring-your-own-router, WiFi 7 add-on from SGD 9/month)
M1 offers a unique 6 Gbps tier that sits between Singtel’s 3 and 5 Gbps options.
5G Mobile Speed
Singtel 5G:
- Download: 300-800 Mbps in central areas
- Coverage: Wider overall 5G footprint
- Latency: 10-20ms
M1 5G:
- Download: 200-600 Mbps in central areas
- Availability: 51.4 percent 5G connection time (Opensignal award winner)
- Latency: 10-20ms
Singtel has higher peak download speeds. M1 has more consistent 5G availability.
Run Speed Test Now to check your actual connection speed.
Coverage Comparison
Fiber Coverage
Both Singtel and M1 use the NetLink Trust national fiber network. Every home in Singapore can access fiber through either provider. The physical connection is identical regardless of which ISP you choose.
5G Coverage
Both providers have 5G Standalone networks across Singapore. M1 wins the Opensignal 5G Availability award with 51.4 percent connection time, meaning users spend more time connected to 5G on M1 than any other operator. Singtel has a wider overall 5G footprint with coverage extending to more areas of northern and eastern Singapore.
Key Differences
Singtel operates 17 subsea cable systems and the STiX internet exchange, providing stronger international connectivity. M1 relies on third-party international peering. For users who game on overseas servers or access international content, Singtel may offer lower latency to destinations outside Singapore.
Pricing Comparison
All prices are in Singapore Dollars (SGD). Both require 24-month contracts.
Fiber Broadband Pricing
| Plan | Singtel | M1 | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Gbps | SGD 39.90 | SGD 32.90 | SGD 7.00 (M1 cheaper) |
| 5-6 Gbps | SGD 49.90 (5 Gbps) | SGD 38.90 (6 Gbps) | SGD 11.00 (M1 cheaper, faster) |
| 10 Gbps | SGD 65.90 | SGD 34.90 | SGD 31.00 (M1 cheaper) |
M1 saves SGD 744 over 24 months on the 10 Gbps plan compared to Singtel.
Note that M1 10 Gbps does not include a router. Adding M1’s WiFi 7 router at SGD 9/month brings the effective cost to SGD 43.90, still SGD 22 cheaper than Singtel.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Singtel | M1 |
|---|---|---|
| ONT Installation | SGD 61.04 | Free |
| Router | Included | Included (3/6 Gbps), from SGD 9/month (10 Gbps) |
| Voice Line | Not included | Free with all HomePac plans |
| Mobile Broadband | Not included | 24 months free with all HomePac plans |
M1 HomePac plans include a free voice line and 24 months of mobile broadband at no extra cost.
5G Mobile Pricing
| Feature | Singtel | M1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest 5G Plan | SGD 35/month (300 GB) | SGD 14.95/month (150 GB) |
| 300 GB 5G | SGD 35/month | SGD 17.95/month |
| Unlimited 5G | SGD 40/month | Not available |
M1 offers the cheapest 5G mobile plans in Singapore starting at SGD 14.95 per month.
Pros and Cons
Singtel Advantages
- Largest network in Singapore with 43 percent broadband market share
- WiFi 7 router included on all fiber plans at no extra cost
- 17 subsea cables and STiX exchange for strong international connectivity
- WiFi 7 mesh option available on 5 Gbps Enhanced Mesh plan
- 12 months Broadband Protect security software included
- Trialing 50 Gbps fiber technology
Singtel Disadvantages
- Most expensive fiber provider in Singapore
- SGD 61.04 NetLink Trust upfront fee for new installations
- 24-month contract with no shorter options
- Upload speeds measured approximately 7 percent slower than competitors
M1 Advantages
- Cheapest 10 Gbps fiber in Singapore at SGD 34.90 per month
- Free voice line and 24 months mobile broadband with HomePac plans
- No ONT activation fee for fiber installations
- Highest 5G availability at 51.4 percent per Opensignal
- 5G SIM-only plans from SGD 14.95 with no contract
- 6 Gbps tier available (not offered by Singtel or StarHub)
M1 Disadvantages
- 10 Gbps plan requires bring-your-own-router (WiFi 7 add-on from SGD 9/month)
- Lower 5G download medians than Singtel and StarHub per Ookla
- Keppel selling consumer business to Simba creates ownership uncertainty
- Customer service reviews mention billing complaints
- No unlimited 5G mobile data plan available
Which Should You Choose?
The table below matches common use cases to the better provider for Singapore users.
| Use Case | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest 10 Gbps | M1 | SGD 34.90 vs SGD 65.90 per month |
| Included Router | Singtel | WiFi 7 router on all plans at no extra cost |
| Budget 5G Mobile | M1 | 5G plans from SGD 14.95 vs SGD 35 |
| International Gaming | Singtel | 17 subsea cables and STiX for lower latency |
| Free Extras | M1 | Voice line and 24-month mobile broadband included |
| Premium Support | Singtel | Larger support network and in-store presence |
| Tech-Savvy (Own Router) | M1 | Save SGD 31/month with bring-your-own-router |
| Multi-Service Bundle | Singtel | Fiber, mobile, and entertainment in one account |
How to Run a Fair Speed Test
To compare Singtel and M1 accurately, control as many variables as possible. Use the same device and connection method for each provider.
Quick test steps:
- Connect via ethernet cable directly to the router.
- Use a Cat 6a or Cat 7 cable for speeds above 1 Gbps.
- Close all other applications and streaming on the network.
- Run 3 tests during off-peak hours and 3 during peak hours (7 PM to 11 PM).
- Compare download, upload, and latency together.
Factors that affect results:
- WiFi vs ethernet connection (WiFi will not reach multi-gig speeds)
- Device network adapter (must support 2.5 Gbps or 10 Gbps for top-tier plans)
- Router quality (especially relevant for M1 10 Gbps bring-your-own-router)
- Time of day and local congestion
- Number of active devices on the network
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper is M1 than Singtel for fiber?
M1 saves SGD 7 per month on 3 Gbps, SGD 11 per month on 5-6 Gbps, and SGD 31 per month on 10 Gbps compared to Singtel. Over 24 months, the 10 Gbps savings total SGD 744. M1 also waives the ONT activation fee that Singtel charges at SGD 61.04.
Does M1 10 Gbps include a router?
No. The M1 HomePac 10 Gbps plan at SGD 34.90 requires you to bring your own router. A WiFi 7 router add-on starts at SGD 9 per month, bringing the effective cost to SGD 43.90. The 3 Gbps and 6 Gbps plans include a WiFi 7 router at no extra charge.
What happens to M1 customers after the Simba acquisition?
Keppel announced plans to sell M1’s consumer business to Simba Telecom in August 2025. The deal is pending IMDA regulatory approval. Existing M1 customers can continue using current plans and services with no immediate changes. Keppel retains M1’s enterprise business division separately.
Which has better 5G, Singtel or M1?
M1 leads in 5G availability with 51.4 percent connection time per Opensignal. Singtel has wider 5G coverage and higher peak download speeds. For users who want to be on 5G more often, M1 is the better choice. For users who want faster peak 5G speeds, Singtel performs better.
Can I switch from Singtel to M1 without changing my fiber?
Yes. Both providers use the same NetLink Trust fiber infrastructure. Switching involves signing up with M1 and canceling Singtel. The physical fiber connection stays the same. Early termination charges apply if you cancel Singtel before the 24-month contract ends.
Summary
M1 is the clear value leader for fiber broadband in Singapore. The 10 Gbps HomePac plan at SGD 34.90 per month costs SGD 31 less than Singtel’s equivalent, with free extras like a voice line and 24 months of mobile broadband. M1 also offers the cheapest 5G mobile plans starting at SGD 14.95.
Singtel offers a premium package with WiFi 7 routers included on all plans, international connectivity through 17 subsea cables, and the STiX exchange for direct content provider peering. Users who want everything included and value the strongest global network will find Singtel’s higher pricing justified.
For budget-focused households with their own router, M1 delivers the same 10 Gbps fiber at nearly half the cost. For users who want a turnkey setup with included equipment and premium support, Singtel remains the established choice.
Test your speed: Singtel Speed Test | M1 Speed Test
Last Updated: February 12, 2026 Data Sources: Singtel official website, M1 official website, Opensignal Singapore reports, MoneySmart Singapore