Singapore operators to switch off 2G from Sunday
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Singapore’s mobile operators will commence the process of switching off their 2G networks on Sunday as part of a scheduled sunsetting of the aging networking technology.
Operators M1, Singtel and StarHub plan to conduct the switch-off in stages, and complete the process by April 18Singapore’s mobile operators will commence the process of switching off their 2G networks on Sunday as part of a scheduled sunsetting of the aging networking technology.
Operators M1, Singtel and StarHub plan to conduct the switch-off in stages, and complete the process by April 18.
As part of an agreement with regulator the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), operators are giving 2G users the ability to retain their numbers and subscription plans on 3G and 4G networks at no additional cost or requirement to re-contract.
The IMDA has urged the nation’s remaining 2G-only users to switch to a 3G or 4G handset by this time.
The regulator is holding information sessions for seniors wishing to learn how to use smartphones as part of the transition process, and has also worked with the operators to ensure that handset models costing below S$50 ($36) are available for the holdouts.
The IMDA banned the sale of all 2G-only devices from January as part of the switch-off process, which is aimed at allowing 2G spectrum to be re-allocated for advanced mobile services.
Singtel’s wholly-owned Australian subsidiary Optus is meanwhile following its parent in switching off 2G. Optus announced it will commence a staggered shutdown process from April 3, starting in the states of the Northern Territory and Western Australia..
As part of an agreement with regulator the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), operators are giving 2G users the ability to retain their numbers and subscription plans on 3G and 4G networks at no additional cost or requirement to re-contract.
The IMDA has urged the nation’s remaining 2G-only users to switch to a 3G or 4G handset by this time.
The regulator is holding information sessions for seniors wishing to learn how to use smartphones as part of the transition process, and has also worked with the operators to ensure that handset models costing below S$50 ($36) are available for the holdouts.
The IMDA banned the sale of all 2G-only devices from January as part of the switch-off process, which is aimed at allowing 2G spectrum to be re-allocated for advanced mobile services.
Singtel’s wholly-owned Australian subsidiary Optus is meanwhile following its parent in switching off 2G. Optus announced it will commence a staggered shutdown process from April 3, starting in the states of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which operators are switching off their 2G networks in Singapore?
Which operators are switching off their 2G networks in Singapore?
M1, Singtel, and StarHub are the operators involved in switching off their 2G networks as part of the scheduled sunsetting of the technology.
Q.What will happen to 2G users' mobile numbers and plans after the switch-off?
What will happen to 2G users' mobile numbers and plans after the switch-off?
2G users can retain their numbers and subscription plans on 3G and 4G networks. There will be no additional cost or requirement to re-contract.
Q.Are there any provisions for those who still use 2G-only devices?
Are there any provisions for those who still use 2G-only devices?
The IMDA has worked with operators to ensure handset models costing below S$50 are available for holdouts, and information sessions are being held for seniors.
Q.Is the 2G switch-off limited to Singapore?
Is the 2G switch-off limited to Singapore?
No, Singtel's Australian subsidiary, Optus, will also commence a staggered shutdown of its 2G network from April 3 in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
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