Tech-savvy Singapore bids jurassic 2G services goodbye

2G networks will be closed starting April 2017.

Tech-savvy Singapore has no room for old-fashioned 2G services. The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) today revealed that mobile network operators (MNOs) will phase out 2G services starting April 2017.

The three telcos 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 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,” said IDA.

IDA will stop accepting the registration of 2G-only mobile communication equipment from 15 September 2015.
IDA advised consumers not to purchase 2G-only mobile equipment.