Be aware of scammers impersonating as IMDA officers and report any suspicious calls to the police. Please note that IMDA officers will never call you nor request for your personal information. For scam-related advice, please call the Anti-Scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 or go to www.scamalert.sg.

2G Services to Cease on 1 April 2017

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) would like to remind 2G mobile users to switch to a 3G or 4G handset by 1 April 2017.

SINGAPORE – 27 MARCH, 2017: The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) would like to remind 2G mobile users to switch to a 3G or 4G handset by 1 April 2017.

From 1 April 2017, the mobile network operators (MNOs) – M1, Singtel and StarHub – will shut down their 2G network in stages across Singapore. The shutdown will be completed by 18 April.

IMDA and the MNOs urge all remaining 2G mobile users to switch to 3G or 4G handsets as soon as possible to continue using their mobile plans.  2G users will be able to retain their numbers and subscription plan on the 3G/4G networks at no additional cost and with no re-contract.  IMDA also encourages friends and family of 2G mobile users - in particular the elderly - to assist them in the transition to a 3G/4G handset. Seniors who wish to learn how to use smartphones can sign up for courses at selected Silver Infocomm Junctions (SIJ). SIJs are senior-friendly IT learning hubs conveniently located island-wide. The list of SIJs can be found at www.imda.gov.sg/SIJ

In addition to media campaigns and roadshows, IMDA and MNOs have partnered with community groups to reach out to seniors on the impending 2G cessation. IMDA and MNOs will like to thank the efforts of these volunteers.

IMDA has partnered the MNOs to ensure that a range of handset models are available to meet various customer needs, ranging from basic models costing below $50 to feature-rich smartphones. Handsets with simple features similar to 2G phones that current users are familiar with are also available. 

In approving the MNOs’ request for the cessation of the 2G network, IMDA took into consideration the evolving technology landscape and the migration of consumers to 3G and 4G technologies, which offer more service features and higher data speeds. 2G was first introduced to Singapore in 1994, and the retirement of the 2G network – announced in 2015 - will allow for the re-allocation of scarce radio frequency spectrum to meet increasing demand for higher-speed mobile services. This spectrum has been allocated to MNOs for the provision of 3G, 4G or more advanced mobile services.   


JOINTLY ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, M1, SINGTEL, STARHUB


About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will develop a vibrant, world-class infocomm media sector that drives the economy, connects people, bonds communities and powers Singapore's Smart Nation vision. IMDA does this by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICT and media infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment. IMDA also enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.

About M1 Limited

M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to over 2 million customers. Since the launch of commercial services in 1997, M1 has achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN). With a continual focus on network quality, customer service, value and innovation, M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg

About Singtel
Singtel is Asia's leading communications and ICT solutions group, providing a portfolio of services from next-generation communication, technology services to infotainment to both consumers and businesses. For consumers, Singtel delivers a complete and integrated suite of services, including mobile, broadband and TV. For businesses, Singtel offers a complementary array of workforce mobility solutions, data hosting, cloud, network infrastructure, analytics and cyber-security capabilities. The Group has presence in Asia, Australia and Africa and reaches over 640 million mobile customers in 22 countries. Its infrastructure and technology services for businesses spans 21 countries, with more than 370 direct points of presence in 325 cities. For more information, visit www.singtel.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SingtelNews

About StarHub

StarHub is Singapore's fully-integrated info-communications company, offering a full range of information, communications and entertainment services for both consumer and corporate markets. StarHub operates a mobile network that provides 4G and 3G services. It also manages an islandwide HFC network that delivers multi-channel pay TV services (including HDTV, Internet TV and on-demand services) as well as ultra-high speed residential broadband services. StarHub operates an extensive fixed business network that provides a wide range of data, voice and wholesale services.

Over Singapore’s fibre-based Nationwide Broadband Network, StarHub offers a broad range of home and business broadband plans, as well as commercial and residential IPTV services.

Launched in 2000, StarHub has become one of Singapore's most innovative info-communications providers, and the pioneer in 'hubbing' - the ability to deliver unique integrated and converged services to all its customers. StarHub, listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange since October 2004, is a component stock of the Straits Times Index, the MSCI Singapore Free Index, the SGX Sustainability Leaders Index and the SGX Sustainability Leaders Enhanced Index. Visit www.starhub.comfor more information.


For media clarifications, please contact: 

Adrian CHAN (Mr)
Manager, Regulatory Communications, IMDA
DID : (65) 6211 1510
Email : adrian_km_chan@imda.gov.sg

Eugene NEUBRONNER (Mr)
Manager, Regulatory Communications, IMDA
DID : (65) 6211 1182
Email : eugene_neubronner@imda.gov.sg

Winston CHAI (Mr)
Deputy Director, Regulatory & Corporate Communications, IMDA
DID : (65) 9726 3238
Email : winston_chai@imda.gov.sg

Chua Hian Hou
Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications, M1 Limited
DID : (65) 6655 1725
HP : (65) 9690 7482
E-mail : hianhouc@m1.com.sg

Low Mei Yen
Manager, Group Corporate Communications, Singtel
DID : (65) 6838 2033
Email : lowmeiyen@singtel.com

Philemon Foo (Mr)
Senior Executive, Corporate Communications, StarHub
DID : (65) 6825 5635
Email : philemon.foo@starhub.com 




LAST UPDATED: 13 MAR 2023

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