Data usage per smartphone user doubled to 1-2GB a month

It's just over the past 2 years.

According to CIMB, with the introduction of LTE, which heralds faster speeds, we believe mobile data consumption will increase further. Data usage per smartphone user has almost doubled over the past two years to about 1-2 GB/month vs. <1GB/month.

Singaporeans’ penchant for the latest devices will drive the take-up for subsidised devices and therefore tiered data plans.

Here's more from CIMB:

The device handset replacement cycle averages two years in Singapore.

Telcos only offer subsidised devices and LTE on tiered data plans. However, we think a small proportion of users will remain on the old plans, which offer 12GB of data, but they will not be entitled to subsidised devices or enjoy LTE service.

M1 is the only carrier that has raised the price of its data bundles. It now charges S$3/m on th more vs. its previous plans, which puts its rates at comparable levels with that of its rivals.