15 June 2015

2G handsets to stop working in Singapore on 1 April 2017

M1Singtel and StarHub will stop providing 2G services in Singapore from 1 April, 2017. This will apply to 2G voice, messaging and data services. Those using 3G and 4G handsets will not be affected.

According to all three telcos, mobile networks have evolved since the launch of 2G service in 1994, and Singapore’s extensive 3G and 4G mobile networks have led to high smartphone ownership and usage rates. To cater for consumers’ increased demand for mobile data and faster access speeds, the spectrum currently used for 2G will be used to provide faster, more advanced 3G and 4G services instead.

In the last few years, mobile operators have been conducting outreach programmes to encourage customers to migrate to newer networks. Today, the majority of mobile customers are on 3G and 4G networks, only an extremely small percentage of customers remain on 2G-only mobile devices. The mobile operators will continue to reach out to affected 2G users through various channels as relevant, including SMS, calls and posters at their retail outlets, in the runup to the 2G network closure.

A wide range of 3G and 4G handsets are available at different price points to enable customers to migrate to the newer networks. Existing SIM cards used for 2G-only handsets can be used in a 3G or 4G-compatible device to enjoy the 3G or 4G services.