No sales of 2G-only devices for use in Singapore from 1 Jan
The sale of 2G-only mobile devices for use in Singapore will be discontinued from 1 Jan, said the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) on Wednesday (7 Dec).
However, those with a license to do so may still sell such devices for export or overseas use. Retailers and equipment suppliers who sell these devices for local use may be fined.
In a statement on Wednesday, IMDA said this is part of the move to scrap 2G networks and mobile services, which will take effect from 1 April, 2017.
“The retirement of the legacy 2G networks will allow IMDA to re-allocate scarce radio frequency spectrum to meet the increasing demand for higher-speed mobile data and more advanced mobile services with rich multi-media content for consumers,” said an IMDA spokesman.
IMDA will work with the three existing telcos – M1, Singtel and StarHub – to continue to facilitate the migration of 2G users to 3G or 4G networks.
It “strongly encourages” consumers and enterprises who are 2G users to upgrade to 3G or 4G-capable mobile devices before 1 April 2017 to avoid disruption.
Customers with 2G mobile phones may upgrade their devices while still maintaining their current plans and prices with no additional subscription costs, added IMDA.
According to figures reported in November, there are still about 160,000 2G-based mobile lines in Singapore.
