Congratulations on graduating! Whether it’s time for a first full-time job or a well-earned break, a new chapter begins — and that includes paying for a personal mobile plan (yikes!).
A common question asked by many fresh graduates is: “How much mobile data do I need, now that I am starting work?” The answer is situationally dependent on your lifestyle, commute, and the amount of Wi-Fi you have access to during the day. Let us walk you through it and break it down so you can decide how much you need each month.
The Workday/Home Wi-Fi Advantage
For those working in an office, there is usually stable Wi-Fi coverage during most working hours. That means mobile data usage during the day is likely to remain low—unless someone is watching YouTube during lunch (no snitches here).
Those living at home are also likely to have access to home Wi-Fi in the mornings and evenings. As a result, mobile data is primarily used during commutes or on weekends.
Commuting in Singapore = Scrolling, Streaming, and Gaming
Singapore’s MRT rides and daily travel time often provide a perfect opportunity to catch up on TikTok, watch Netflix, or play a few rounds of Mobile Legends. With social media use on the rise, many are also posting Reels, Stories, and videos on the go.
Here is a rough estimate of how much mobile data everyday activities use:
- 📱 Instagram / TikTok / Social Media (scrolling): ~500MB per hour
- 🎵 Spotify Streaming (High Quality): ~150MB per hour
- 📺 YouTube (720p): ~700MB per hour
- 🎬 Netflix (Standard Quality): ~1GB per hour
- 🎥 Uploading a TikTok or IG Reel (15–60 seconds): ~50–150MB per video
- 📷 Uploading a regular IG photo post: ~2–5MB per photo
- 🎮 Mobile Gaming (MLBB, COD Mobile, PUBG): ~40–100MB per hour
Estimates adapted from StarHub’s guide to app data usage.
While mobile gaming typically consumes less data than video streaming, the total usage can add up, especially for those who game daily during commutes or breaks.
For anyone who creates content or plays games regularly while on the move, monthly mobile data usage can increase by 5 to 10 GB or more, depending on activity levels.
Weekends Are the Wild Cards
Weekends are when data usage can spike. Think cafe-hopping, running errands, or spending an entire day outdoors. Without consistent Wi-Fi access, mobile data is often used for navigation, ride-hailing, messaging, social media, music streaming, and the usual TikTok scroll.
For users with light weekday usage and heavier weekend habits, monthly mobile data consumption may range from 20GB to 30GB or more, depending on the frequency of streaming and gaming.
What Is A Safe Data Plan Size?
Here is a general guide based on common user behaviour:
- Light user (mostly on Wi-Fi, social media + messaging only): 5–10GB/month
- Moderate user (some videos, music streaming, light gaming): 15–25GB/month
- Heavy user (commute binge-watching, constant Spotify, mobile gaming + content creation): 30–50GB/month or more
Final Thoughts
Mobile data needs may change over time. Starting full-time work might reduce mobile usage compared to student life. However, for anyone commuting daily, streaming regularly, or growing a social media presence, a generous data plan is the way to go.
Select a plan that aligns with real-world usage, not just your budget.
With 250GB of Local Data, redONE Mobile’s BEST10 Plan delivers the flexibility to stay connected, entertained, and productive — all without breaking the bank.
