Singapore retailers to stop offering 3G services son
Singtel, StarHub, and M1 will soon stop selling their 3G services starting on 31 July.
According to Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the move is in view of the advancements in the mobile communications space where 3G has been replaced by 4G and 5G.
IMDA added that the one-year transition is to allow operators to engage and migrate the remaining 3G subscribers before retiring their 3G services.
To facilitate the transition, mobile network operations will offer users the option to convert 4G plans “on terms that are no worse-off.” Meanwhile, enterprise users will be given support to help them migrate their existing services without disruption.
Retailers will also not sell 3G mobile phones or 4G models that need 3G for voice calls, except for export purposes starting on 1 February 2024.
3G entered Singapore over two decades ago. Meanwhile, 4G started in the mid-2010s. Since 5G was introduced last year, it has made up 15% of the total mobile subscribers and the numbers are continuing to grow.
“Overall, close to 99% of Singapore’s mobile subscribers are currently on 4G or 5G.”
International operators in the Uk and Australia are also following the move. Malaysia and the US have also retired 3G services.
“When the 3G networks retire, more spectrum can be released for investment in 5G to provide a better experience for users and support enterprises undergoing digital transformation.”
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