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StarHub 700MHz 5G: What the article means
The HardwareZone article reports that StarHub has deployed the 700MHz spectrum on its 5G network, branding the upgraded service 5G+. The key point for existing customers is that there is no need to change plans or sign up: existing StarHub 5G subscribers get the capability automatically, while new customers receive it from day one. (StarHub)
What does 700MHz actually improve?
StarHub previously relied mainly on 2.1GHz and 3.5GHz for 5G. Adding the lower-frequency 700MHz band gives the network better propagation and building penetration.
This should be most noticeable in places such as:
π’ Inside office buildings
π️ Crowded shopping malls
π Underground areas
π Ώ️ Car parks and basements
π Areas where higher-frequency 5G struggles
StarHub claims 5G+ can provide up to four times faster speeds indoors and underground, although that is a StarHub network claim rather than a guarantee that every user will experience 4× speeds. (StarHub)
An important distinction: 700MHz is primarily a coverage/reliability improvement, not simply a "faster 5G" upgrade. Lower frequencies travel farther and penetrate obstacles better, while the higher bands provide greater capacity.
Do you need a new phone?
Probably not.
HardwareZone says compatible devices go back several generations, including the iPhone 12, Google Pixel 6 and Samsung Galaxy S10, although actual band support depends on the particular handset/model. (HardwareZone Singapore)
StarHub says 5G+ is available across all its 5G mobile plans, so this isn't a premium-network feature restricted to expensive plans. (StarHub)
What are Singaporeans saying online?
There is an interesting story here because the 700MHz rollout was already being discussed on Singapore forums months before StarHub officially announced the deployment.
π’ HardwareZone: "Finally"
HardwareZone discussions from January 2026 were already tracking StarHub's 700MHz deployment.
One technically knowledgeable poster noted that StarHub and M1 received their 700MHz spectrum allocation on 1 July 2025, while Singtel received its allocation earlier. The expectation was that StarHub/M1 would eventually close some of Singtel's coverage advantage. (HardwareZone Forums)
Another user reported that Singtel's 700MHz deployment had noticeably improved coverage, including in lifts and weak-signal areas. (HardwareZone Forums)
That is probably the most useful real-world indication of what StarHub customers can expect: the biggest benefit may be fewer situations where your phone suddenly drops from usable 5G to weak 4G or no connection.
π’ HardwareZone: technical users were already waiting for StarHub
The forum discussion also confirms that enthusiasts were monitoring whether StarHub had actually switched on its 700MHz network.
Users discussed tools such as NetMonitor for Android to determine which bands their phones were actually connected to. (HardwareZone Forums)
So don't be surprised if your phone simply says "5G" rather than displaying a special "5G+" icon. The status-bar indicator varies by handset and carrier configuration.
π‘ Reddit: coverage matters more than headline speeds
Reddit discussions about Singapore telcos show that coverage and reliability remain major reasons people choose one network over another, even when cheaper MVNO plans are available.
For example, a Reddit discussion about StarHub-network MVNOs included users reporting that they chose or abandoned StarHub-based services based on reception in their particular locations. (Reddit)
This is important because it puts StarHub's announcement into perspective:
A 700MHz deployment potentially addresses one of the biggest complaints users have — poor reception in difficult locations — rather than merely increasing speed-test numbers.
π‘ Reddit: "5G+ doesn't automatically mean better everywhere"
There is also a broader scepticism around telco "5G+" branding.
Users have pointed out that 5G+ isn't a universal technical standard for what appears on your phone's status bar. Depending on the handset and carrier configuration, the phone may continue displaying "5G" even when using advanced 5G capabilities.
That means you shouldn't judge the upgrade purely by whether your phone suddenly displays a 5G+ icon.
The actual test is:
Does your phone maintain a usable connection in places where StarHub previously struggled?
What about X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Threads?
I searched specifically for discussion around StarHub's 700MHz/5G+ announcement.
Because the announcement was made only on 1 September 2026, indexed discussion on X, Facebook, Instagram and Threads is still relatively sparse. I also couldn't establish a sufficiently reliable body of public posts on those platforms to claim there is a broad consensus.
TikTok is somewhat different because StarHub itself incorporated TikTok into the launch: its 2 September event at Lau Pa Sat included a competitive-eating livestream with Zermatt Neo, intended partly to demonstrate the upgraded network. (HardwareZone Singapore)
So I would be cautious about claims such as "Singaporeans are loving StarHub's new 5G+" at this stage. There isn't enough independent social-media evidence yet.
π₯ The bigger issue: StarHub vs Singtel
This is where the announcement gets more interesting.
Singtel was earlier to deploy 700MHz, and HardwareZone discussions from January 2026 were already noting that Singtel had an approximately eight-month head start. (HardwareZone Forums)
That means StarHub's announcement is less about inventing a new capability and more about catching up technologically in low-band 5G coverage.
StarHub's 700MHz allocation is also different in bandwidth from Singtel's: HardwareZone forum users identified StarHub's allocation as 10MHz, versus Singtel's 20MHz allocation. (HardwareZone Forums)
Therefore, don't interpret StarHub's 5G+ launch as automatically meaning StarHub now has the best 5G network in Singapore.
It means StarHub has added an important missing layer to its network.
π° Is the 50%-off promotion worth switching for?
For new customers and port-ins, StarHub is offering 50% off its selected Unlimited Max+ and Platinum plans for six months from 1 September 2026. (StarHub)
But I wouldn't switch solely because of 700MHz.
If you're already happy with Singtel/M1/SIMBA/another MVNO, the more sensible approach is to compare:
monthly price + data allowance + roaming + network coverage at your home/work + 5G performance.
The 700MHz upgrade is particularly compelling if StarHub coverage was previously poor in places you regularly visit.
My verdict
This is a meaningful StarHub network upgrade, but the headline "5G+" is more exciting than the practical change for some users.
| Area | My assessment |
|---|---|
| Indoor coverage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Basement/underground | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Network reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Maximum speed | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Compatibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for existing StarHub users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Reason alone to switch telco | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Competition with Singtel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Bottom line
For existing StarHub customers: it's basically a free network upgrade, so there's little downside.
The people most likely to notice the difference are those who previously experienced weak/no StarHub 5G in malls, lifts, basements, car parks, MRT/underground areas or deep inside buildings.
And the most interesting takeaway from the forums is that Singapore's 700MHz 5G race has been coming for some time. Singtel got there first; StarHub has now deployed its allocation, while M1's rollout remains another piece of the competitive picture. (HardwareZone Forums)
If you're deciding whether to switch from Singtel/M1/SIMBA/GOMO to StarHub specifically because of this 700MHz upgrade, I'd put much more weight on your actual locations and current reception than on the "5G+" branding.
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