M1 to retire 3G network in Singapore from Aug 1; StarHub to retire its network from November

Felicia Tan
3-min read

The retirement of its 3G networks will allow the telco to repurpose some of the freed-up spectrum to improve its 5G services: M1.

M1, a subsidiary of Keppel, will retire all 3G services – including voice, messaging and data – in Singapore with effect from Aug 1. All three mobile network operators (MNOs), Singapore Telecommunications Z74 (Singtel), M1 and StarHub Cc3 said they plan to retire their 3G services by July 31, according to an Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announcement dated July 26, 2023.

According to M1, 3G services are no longer widely used in the country and the move comes in line with the global move by leading and developed markets to retire aged technology and invest in new 5G services.

The retirement of its 3G networks will allow the telco to repurpose some of the freed-up spectrum to improve its 5G services, M1 adds.

Most of the telco’s mobile customers are either on 4G or 5G plans today, says M1. The small number of customers that are still on 3G handsets have been receiving “a wide variety of attractive promotions” from the telco so these customers can upgrade their handsets to 4G or 5G-enabled ones.

“Singapore is leading the way globally and in the region with a high rate of 5G adoption. We’re excited for more customers to experience faster speeds, close to real-time network responses and enhanced connectivity.  The move towards 5G will also provide better and more secure services to mobile users in Singapore,” says Manjot Singh Mann, M1’s CEO.

“Through our proactive and frequent communications about the cessation of 3G services across various channels, we have ensured that our customers are well-informed in advance, with only a small percentage who are still reliant on 3G today. For these remaining customers, we would urge them to make the switch soon, or let us know if they need further help,” he adds.

StarHub to retire network in November

In a separate announcement, StarHub said it will officially retire its 3G network from November. The extension will give affected customers "ample time" to transition from 3G to 4G and 5G network services.

"To support this transition, we have implemented several measures to assist our customers in upgrading from 3G. These include regular outreach via SMS, eDMs, phone calls, and WhatsApp alerts, through which customers can also indicate if they have upgraded. Our frontline teams are available to assist customers via the StarHub hotline, website, and StarHub shops. We encourage affected customers to upgrade promptly to avoid any service disruption. This initiative also extends to our enterprise customers, with whom we will be actively reaching out to ensure a smooth transition," reads StarHub's statement.

Like M1, freeing up the 3G spectrum will enable StarHub to enhance its 5G services, offering faster speeds and connectivity.

As at 10.06am, shares in Keppel are trading 4 cents lower or 0.61% down at $6.55 while shares in StarHub are trading flat at $1.26.

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