All the three mobile operators in Singapore, M1, Singtel and Starhub jointly announced on Wednesday that the new prepaid SIM cards will no longer support 2G from next Tuesday.
The move is to ensure mobile users migrate in time for the closure of 2G networks next April. Customers purchasing prepaid SIM cards will be kept informed of this progressively at point-of-sale and other channels.
While all existing prepaid SIM cards will not be affected, the operators urge customers to upgrade to 3G or 4G-capable handsets early.
Last June, the operators said that they will cease the provision of all 2G services - 2G voice, messaging and data services - from 1st of April 2017. At that time, data from Singapore's telecom's regulator, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) shows that only 3 per cent are still on 2G pre- and post-paid plans.
The 2G spectrum will be re-used for the fast growing 3G/4G services in the country which has among the highest smartphone penetration in the world, said IDA.
