In a region where travelers expect instant access to apps, maps, and booking tools the moment they land, Singapore-based startup Firsty is stepping up with a bold promise: free mobile data, anywhere. More about freemium mobile data for travelers find out below.

The company has raised SGD7.5 million (US$5.8 million) to expand its freemium mobile data service across Asia and has entered a strategic partnership with GlobalTix, a major tourism ticketing platform, to bring seamless connectivity to millions of tourists using platforms like Trip.com and GetYourGuide.

Firsty offers a free global eSIM with basic data access and optional paid upgrades, making it easy for travelers to stay connected without roaming fees or SIM swaps.

Why now: Trends align with Firsty’s vision

Mobile-first travel is exploding across Asia. Tourists and digital nomads expect instant connectivity, while traditional roaming and SIM cards still frustrate users. Firsty’s frictionless data model meets this rising demand.

With over 600,000 users already benefiting from free mobile data in more than 160 countries, the startup taps into a growing market of digital nomads, tourists, and app-dependent consumers.

As roaming a and SIM card hassles remain a pain point, Firsty’s promise of “connectivity without friction” resonates in a region where seamless access to apps and services is now a baseline expectation.

No Wi-Fi? No Problem: Firsty’s Deal with GlobalTix Powers Seamless Data for Tourists

GlobalTix’s network of over 12,000 resellers—including major platforms like Trip.com and GetYourGuide—gives Firsty an instant footprint in Asia’s travel commerce ecosystem. This ensures travellers can enjoy free access to key travel apps, eliminating the need to hunt for Wi-Fi or worry about data top-ups.

“Connectivity is core to the travel experience,” said Chee Kong Chan, co-founder and COO of GlobalTix. “Partnering with Firsty allows our network to offer travellers instant access to mobile connectivity from the moment they book.”

Telecom without borders: Freemium mobile data for travelers

Founded by Adyen alumni Vince Vissers and Gauthier Thierens, Firsty operates on a freemium telecom model. Users can access basic data for free globally, with the option to upgrade to faster speeds starting from just SGD1 per day. With no SIM swaps or roaming fees, the Firsty app connects users through a global eSIM and partnerships with local carriers.

Krishnadeep Baruah, Head of APAC at Firsty, highlighted the company’s regional strategy:

“This region is incredibly mobile and travel-driven. We’re proud to build Firsty’s next chapter out of Singapore, partnering with innovators like GlobalTix to power Asia’s digital infrastructure.”

Firsty Attracts Major Backers for Embedded Telecom Services

Firsty’s funding round, led by Speedinvest and Dutch Founders Fund, with participation from former executives at KPN, Booking.com, Uber, and Adyen, signals strong investor confidence in the firm’s infrastructure-as-a-service model. The company also serves enterprise clients, such as Uber, which uses Firsty to keep its app online globally without data costs.

Firsty’s B2B offering opens new opportunities for startups and digital platforms, from embedding connectivity into apps to launching branded telecom services using Firsty’s backend. freemium mobile data for travelers

As the lines blur between connectivity, software, and travel services, Firsty’s playbook may inspire founders to rethink how their apps function globally. Whether it’s fintech apps requiring persistent connectivity or digital platforms looking to reduce user friction, embedded data access could become a competitive edge.

Redefining Travel: Firsty’s Quiet Revolution in Mobile Connectivity

With regional headquarters operations launched in Singapore and a growing portfolio of enterprise integrations, Firsty is positioning itself as a foundational layer for Asia’s app economy. As Firsty expands across Asia, it may set the blueprint for embedding telecom services directly into the travel experience—without the traditional barriers.