When I told my colleagues that I was reviewing an M1 SIM Only plan, their first reaction was immediate:

“The mobile reception is bad!”

That response alone motivated me even more to test it out.

I was an M1 customer several years ago, and I’ll be honest – mobile reception back then was choppy. It has been about three to four years since I last used M1 as my main line, so this review was less about raw speed and more about a simple question:

Has M1’s network reliability actually improved over time?

For this review, I activated an M1 postpaid eSIM and ran it alongside my physical SIM from another telco on the same phone. This allowed me to compare coverage and usability in real-world conditions without changing devices or usage habits.

Setting up the eSIM was straightforward. Verification was done via Singpass, followed by scanning a QR code that automatically provisioned the eSIM on my phone. From start to finish, the process took just a few minutes.

One underrated advantage of eSIMs is convenience when travelling. You don’t have to swap SIM cards or risk misplacing your primary line. This is especially useful in countries that still rely heavily on physical SIM cards – your main line stays active while you add another when needed.

The plan I’m reviewing: M1 Maxx $10 SIM Only Plan

The plan tested in this review is the M1 Maxx $10 SIM Only plan.

Key inclusions:

• 400GB data (Singapore & Malaysia)
• 16GB roaming data
  • 13GB APAC roaming
  • 3GB international roaming
• Up to 300 IDD minutes
• 500 local outgoing call minutes
• Unlimited local incoming calls
• 50 local SMS
• Auto-renewal every 30 days
• Free caller number display

Important clarification on 5G

The $10 Maxx plan was originally offered as a 5G introductory promotion. Existing customers who subscribed during that period continue to enjoy 5G at $10 per month. However, new subscriptions at $10 are now on 4G, while 5G access is available:

• From $12/month for a Maxx 5G plan, or
• Via multi-month bundles (3, 6, or 12 months) that unlock 5G at a discounted effective rate – More details here.

This distinction is important – and something you should be aware of.

Data connectivity is about survival, not speed

This may sound dramatic, but data connectivity in my underground carpark is a survival requirement.

We use an app to activate the lift button. If you don’t have your access card and your phone has no reception, you’re effectively stuck – trapped like a mouse in a concrete maze.

This became my first real-world test.

In the past, M1 struggled in this exact scenario. Data would drop, apps would hang, and loading anything felt like a gamble. I had to walk around like a fengshui master in seek of that one bar signal.

This time, the lift app loaded reliably. Commands went through without retries. I repeated this test across multiple days and different times, and the experience remained consistent. I think it’s also important to note that I was using the Google Pixel 10 Pro, which seemed to allow better connectivity over my iPhone 16 Pro.

Real-world usage on MRTs, offices, and crowded areas

Moving out of my carpark, I paid close attention to how the M1 line performed in places where connectivity typically struggles:

• MRT stations and underground walkways
• Lifts and stairwells in office buildings
• Crowded coffee shops during lunch hours

In most cases, messaging apps remained responsive, navigation worked without delays, and everyday apps loaded without noticeable lag. This wasn’t about blazing-fast speeds – it was about consistency, and that’s where M1 surprised me.

4G vs 5G: does it matter here?

Even on 4G, day-to-day usage such as messaging, navigation, browsing, and work apps felt smooth. Where available, 5G offered faster loading and slightly better responsiveness, but the more meaningful improvement was consistency, not headline speed.

For most users, especially those considering the $10 plan, the key question isn’t “Is this the fastest?” but rather:

“Will this work reliably when I need it?”

Based on my experience, the answer today is largely yes.

Who this plan is good for – and who it isn’t

This plan makes sense if you are:

• A light-to-moderate data user
• Someone who values SG–MY data and roaming flexibility
• Looking for a reliable secondary or backup line
• Comfortable with SIM-only, no-frills plans

It may not be ideal if you:

• Need ultra-low latency for competitive mobile gaming
• Hotspot multiple devices heavily every day
• Expect premium telco perks or priority support

Verdict: Is M1 worth reconsidering?

M1’s $10 Maxx SIM Only plan won’t magically erase years of public perception overnight. But based on my experience, network reliability has improved meaningfully compared to what I remember.

At this price point, with generous data and roaming allowances, it offers strong value – especially for users who prioritise practicality over peak performance.

If your last experience with M1 was years ago, it may be worth taking a second look.