15 June 2015 - The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has approved the request of the mobile network operators (MNOs) – M1, Singtel Mobile and StarHub Mobile – to close their 2G networks with effect from 1 April 2017.
Singapore, 15 June 2015 | For Immediate Release
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has approved the request of the mobile network operators (MNOs) – M1, Singtel Mobile and StarHub Mobile – to close their 2G networks with effect from 1 April 2017.
IDA has required the MNOs to ensure that existing 2G subscribers, both consumers and business users, will transit smoothly to the 3G networks.
To facilitate this transition, the MNOs have agreed for their 2G subscribers to continue with their existing mobile plans at no additional cost after they have migrated to the more advanced 3G networks, if they choose not to subscribe to new service plans. The subscribers should, however, check that their mobile phones can be used on the 3G networks. If they are using 2G-only mobile phones, they will need to change their phones before 1 April 2017. The MNOs will also make available low cost 3G mobile phone packages to facilitate the migration. Subscribers should also check with their MNO on whether they need to change their SIM card to a 3G-enabled one.
In approving the MNOs’ request, IDA took into consideration the evolving technology landscape and the migration of consumers to 3G and 4G technologies, which offer more service features and higher broadband speeds. First introduced in 1994 in Singapore, the 2G networks support voice telephone calls, SMS and basic Internet services. 2G pre- and post-paid subscriptions have been declining steadily, from over 2 million subscribers in June 2011 to about 250,000 subscribers today, or about 3% of the mobile subscriptions in Singapore.
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. Currently, all the three MNOs have achieved 99% nationwide coverage for 3G services; and have achieved significant nationwide coverage of more than 98% at outdoor street level for 4G services. IDA notes that mobile operators in countries like Japan, Korea, Australia and the US have either closed or announced plans to close their 2G networks.
IDA will stop accepting the registration of 2G-only mobile communication equipment from 15 September 2015. Consumers are advised not to purchase 2G-only mobile equipment, as 2G services will not be available from 1 April 2017. IDA will closely monitor the migration progress.
ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (IDA)
Related Resources
- Annex A: Chart on 2G versus 3G and 4G pre- and post-paid subscriptions from June 2011 to March 2015 (371.87KB)
- Annex B: ‘Evolution of Mobile Services in Singapore’ (938.34KB)
- Annex C: ‘Moving on to 3G and 4G’ (1.35MB)
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is to develop information technology and telecommunications within Singapore with a view to serve citizens of all ages and companies of all sizes. IDA does this by actively supporting the growth of innovative technology companies and start-ups in Singapore, working with leading global IT companies as well as developing excellent information technology and telecommunications infrastructure, policies and capabilities for Singapore. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg. Follow IDA on Facebook and Twitter.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Adrian CHAN (Mr)
Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communications
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Email: adrian_km_chan@imda.gov.sg
Angie LOW (Ms)
Senior Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communications
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Email: angie_low@imda.gov.sg
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