Singtel, StarHub, M1 shutting 2G from 1 April 2017

Singapore’s three incumbent mobile network operators (MNOs), Singtel, StarHub and M1, intend to stop offering 2G GSM services in the country from 1 April 2017, they confirmed today in a joint statement. The three cellcos say that the decision will apply to all 2G voice, messaging and data services and add that the move to shutter older cellular services in the city-state will free up precious mobile spectrum, allowing them to deliver even faster 3G and 4G services. The MNOs note that currently the vast majority of mobile users in Singapore have already migrated to more advanced mobile platforms, but will continue to reach out to 2G users through various retail/advertising channels to encourage them to switch in the run-up to the closure of 2G services. Customers still on 2G networks will need to place their SIM cards into a new 3G or 4G handset to receive the more advanced services. According to the latest data from the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), there were just 286,600 2G mobile subscriptions in Singapore at end-March 2015, of which 83,100 were post-paid users and 203,500 were pre-paid, a 2G penetration rate of around 3.5%.