On 27 July 2023 Singapore IMDA announced that 3G services would cease on 31 July 2024. We would like to remind all equipment dealers of the upcoming changes to 3G networks and services in Singapore. Please take note of the following timelines:
From 1 November 2023: The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has stopped accepting new registrations and renewals of 3G-only mobile phones and non-VoLTE capable smartphones.
From 1 February 2024: The sale of 3G-only mobile phones and non-VoLTE capable smartphones for local use will no longer be allowed. IMDA will invalidate the registrations of these equipment by 1 February 2024.
From 31 July 2024 onwards: 3G networks and services will cease in Singapore.
Please assist your customers/end user with the following:
Inform customers that 3G services will cease with effect from 31 July 2024, when selling 3G-only mobile terminals and non-VoLTE capable smartphones; and
For customers purchasing 4G or 5G mobile phones / smartphones, please ensure that Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is enabled, or assist the customer to enable VoLTE on the new devices and encourage them to make a test call to ensure that voice calls can be made through VoLTE.
With the cessation of 3G networks, voice call services such as those to emergency numbers can only be made via VoLTE. Hence, please also ensure mobile phones sold can make emergency calls while on local operators' networks.
For full support with your global market access requirements or regulatory intelligence needs please contact us at customer-service@vscbcorp.com.