As Singapore celebrates SG60 – its 60th birthday this year – it is also the perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come – from a bustling port city to a global tech hub. And what is one of the most apparent signs of progress? Just take a look at what is in your hand right now: your mobile phone!
Over the past six decades, we have come a long way in how we stay connected in the telecommunications space – from bulky landlines to affordable SIM-only plans like those from redONE Mobile. Here is a nostalgic journey through Singapore’s mobile evolution.
1960s -1980s: Landlines and Payphones in Singapore
In the early years, phone calls were made from landlines – often fixed to the wall in a common area at home. You had to memorise numbers or have them written down on your phones, calls were usually short, and making long-distance calls was costly.
Public payphones were everywhere. If you needed to contact someone urgently, you had to queue at a phone booth or borrow someone else’s line.
1990s: The Rise of Pagers and Early Mobile Phones
In the 90s, we saw the rise of pagers and bulky mobile phones. SMSes became a popular way to communicate. Mobile devices were expensive, and most Singaporeans only used them for calls or urgent messages.
Mobile plans were limited and expensive, with high per-minute charges. Contracts locked you in for years, and mobile ownership was still considered a luxury.
2000s: Flip Phones and the Start of Mobile Internet
As mobile phones became more affordable, flip phones and early camera phones took over the market. Custom ringtones, MMS, and mobile games like Snake – Anyone remember “Bounce”? – became part of everyday life in Singapore.
Telco companies also began bundling plans with phones, but this meant being tied to a 2-year mobile contract, even if you didn’t need a new device.
2010s: The Smartphone Boom in Singapore
Smartphones have now changed everything. From browsing the internet to video calls and mobile payments, our phones have become our daily companions.
However, many Singaporeans continued to pay for contract plans that included device subsidies – even though they already owned perfectly functioning smartphones. This started the shift towards SIM-only mobile plans.
Late 2010s to 2020s: SIM-Only Plans Take Over – Enter redONE Mobile
Fast forward to today, and SIM-only plans in Singapore are becoming the more intelligent choice. One of them is redONE Mobile. If you are tired of paying for more than you need, redONE Mobile offers a cheap, no-contract mobile plan starting from just $10.90/month. Here’s why it is such a game-changer:
- Keep your existing number
- Use your existing phone
- Enjoy generous data, call minutes, and SMS
- Add on roaming and international options easily
- No hidden charges or surprise bills
Whether you are a student, working adult, retiree or just a small business owner, redONE Mobile offers one of the best SIM-only plans in Singapore – affordable, flexible and built for real needs.
As Singapore Turns 60, Make the Smart Switch
In the spirit of SG60, we have looked back at how Singaporeans spend, save, and stay connected.
We have come a long way since rotary phones. Now with SIM-only plans like redONE Mobile, you can finally have complete control over your mobile bill – one without the contracts and compromises.
✅ Celebrate SG60 with a Smarter Mobile PlanSwitch to redONE Mobile today! No contract, no hassle. Just better bang for your buck. Happy 60th Birthday, Singapore! Explore our plans here today.
