Farewell 3G: M1 to retire services from August; StarHub, Singtel from November
IMDA says phasing out 3G will unlock spectrum capacity that can be invested into “future-ready” 5G networks
LOCAL mobile network operators will retire their 3G networks starting with M1 from August 2024, followed by Singtel and StarHub from November.
The phase-out marks an end to the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. Singapore’s 3G services were introduced more than two decades ago, and supported the widespread adoption of smartphones in the country.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said on Wednesday (Jul 24) that M1 will end its 3G services starting from Aug 1, 2024. This comes as the telco completes the migration of all its individual and enterprise 3G subscribers to 4G or 5G services.
M1 chief executive Manjot Singh Mann said the telco has ensured that its customers are well-informed in advance of the cessation of 3G services through its proactive and frequent communications. To date, only a “small percentage” are reliant on 3G.
“For these remaining customers, we would urge them to make the switch soon, or let us know if they need further help,” he noted.
StarHub and Singtel, meanwhile, will give their remaining 3G subscribers more time to migrate and will continue assisting their customers. Provided this process is smooth, both will retire their 3G services from November.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Anna Yip, deputy chief executive and CEO for business development at Singtel Singapore, said that the progressive retirement of the telco’s 3G network from November 2024 will give a small number of customers, comprising users on older mobile devices or SIM cards that cannot connect to newer 4G and 5G networks, more time to make the change.
“Understanding the critical role that mobile devices play in everyone’s lives, Singtel has undertaken extensive measures to communicate the changes to the 3G network to customers via social media, roadshows as well as print and digital platforms,” she added.
IMDA said the retirement of 3G will unlock spectrum capacity that can be invested into “future-ready” 5G networks. Around 99.9 per cent of Singapore’s mobile subscriber population is already on 4G or 5G.
Currently, 5G subscribers make up 20 per cent of total mobile subscribers in Singapore. 5G was first introduced in 2022.
M1, StarHub and Singtel also said in separate statements that the freed-up spectrum from the 3G network will be repurposed to improve their 5G services. This includes offering faster speeds, higher data throughput and enhanced security and reliability.
A StarHub spokesperson noted that faster speeds, lower latency, and improved coverage will equip the telco’s 3G customers to embrace a digital lifestyle.
“We encourage affected customers to upgrade promptly to avoid any service disruption. This initiative also extends to our enterprise customers, (to) whom we will be actively reaching out to ensure a smooth transition,” the spokesperson added.
Since February 2024, IMDA has stopped the import and sale of 3G mobile devices in Singapore to facilitate the transition and “prevent further proliferation in the market”.
Retailers and service providers of non-telecommunication products or services utilising 3G mobile connectivity, such as car manufacturers and fleet management service providers, have also been informed of the phase-out of 3G services.
Mobile network operators have also been offering 4G or 5G service plans and phone options to support the switch from 3G, particularly among vulnerable groups such as elderly subscribers. They are also delivering new SIM cards to customers with mobility issues.
“This (support) includes helping them to navigate their new device to ensure that they can continue to use essential applications that support their day-to-day activities as well as have access to even more useful apps which offer better experiences and are more secure,” said Singtel’s Yip.
She added that postpaid customers worried about upgrading costs can also remain on their existing price plans and receive a free 5G SIM card.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
