Singapore’s telcos and mobile providers will stop providing 2G-only mobile devices from Jan. 1, 2017, said the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in a press release on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
The policy is in line with the nationwide cessation of 2G networks by April 1, 2017. However, IMDA said the sale of 2G mobile devices for export or overseas use will still be allowed.
“The retirement of the 2G networks will allow more efficient use of the scarce radio frequency spectrum to provide the more advanced 3G and 4G services, which will better meet users’ demand for rich multi-media content,” IMDA said.
“IMDA strongly encourages consumers and enterprises to replace their 2G-only mobile devices with 3G or 4G-capable mobile devices before April 1, 2017 to avoid disruption to their mobile services,” the release added.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s three main telcos — M1, Singtel, and StarHub — will continue to facilitate their users to switch from 2G to 3G and 4G networks with no additional subscription cost imposed.
Only two percent, or some 160,000 mobile lines in Singapore are based on 2G services. — PNA/Xinhua
