Tech
Important Considerations When a Mobile Data Plan For you
With the increased cost of living and the spread of technology comes a greater need for data. If you’re a data hog, you might need to reconsider your current plan. There are so many providers with both prepaid and postpaid plans now, that it can be difficult to choose a plan that suits your needs. With the option of 5G in Singapore, high-speed data through your mobile phone is available now. The type of plan you choose will depend on your needs. Here are some key factors to consider.
The volume of data usage
Data usage is measured in MB (megabytes), GB (gigabytes), or even PB (petabytes). But do not be fooled that a 10GB data plan can give you 10,000MBs’ worth of data. In reality, the average person uses less than 500MB per month. It is, therefore, safe to say that a 10GB data plan only gives you 5 days of data. The amount of data you need each month can help you narrow down your choices.
The amount of data you require depends on the types of activities you engage in when using your phone. If you spend hours playing games, you will definitely need a high-speed data plan. If you use your phone for email, messaging, and browsing, a 2GB Roaming Data Plan is sufficient.
It might also depend on your budget. For example, spending $30 a month may increase data consumption compared to spending the same amount for 5GB for $15 or 20GB for $30.
Type of contract plan
Postpaid plans are a common option. You buy the phone on a no-contract basis, and when you sign a 24- to 36-month contract to get the best value. The total cost of the phone is spread across these months, giving you a small monthly bill. At the end of the contract, you can either renew or pay off your remaining debt. Most people tend to go with a postpaid plan because it gives you more freedom in choosing your data plan.
Prepaid plans, on the other hand, are more of a prepaid arrangement. You have to buy your phone through a prepaid payment platform and then you pay for the cost over time. Prepaid plans usually have unlimited data and long validity periods, making them popular with students who do not like to be tied down by contracts.
Price per additional MB
Postpaid plans are more expensive. The difference is usually marginal, but it can be significant. For example, there are lots of postpaid data plans that offer you 1GB of data at $10 per month, which makes it $10 per MB (1,000 MBs’ worth). There are also prepaid plans with unlimited data and large validity periods that are cheaper than postpaid options.
Prepaid plans do not charge for the volume of data used in a month. They offer monthly quotas for online access and calls.
Having more data is essential. If you are a heavy user, it is wise to consider going for a postpaid plan. If you use your phone for light activities, prepaid plans may be a better choice for you. The type of contract is also important. You can take advantage of prepaid plans by going for plans with excellent value.