SINGAPORE’S trio of major mobile network operators (MNOs) – Singtel, StarHub and M1 – will retire 3G services by Jul 31, 2024.

This will allow for more spectrum to be released for investment on 5G, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said on Wednesday (Jul 26).

To facilitate the transition of 3G subscribers to 4G or 5G networks, the three MNOs will offer individual 3G users equivalent or better terms to convert to 4G plans, on top of a range of mobile phone options.

The MNOs will also offer 3G enterprise users support on seamless migration to 4G or alternative services to ensure disruption to existing services are minimal.

Retailers will also no longer be able to sell 3G mobile phones or 4G models requiring 3G for voice calls, which will take effect from February next year, except for export purposes.

This one-year transition period will allow MNOs to adequately engage and migrate their remaining 3G subscribers before retiring their 3G services, said IMDA.

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It said 3G subscribers should reach out to their respective MNOs for more information and assistance.

5G has gained prevalence since its launch in 2022. 5G users make up 15 per cent of total mobile subscribers, which continues to grow, IMDA noted. Presently, 99 per cent of mobile users subscribe to 4G and 5G.

Internationally, operators in the US and Malaysia have retired 3G services. Those in Australia and the United Kingdom are expected to retire 3G services by 2024.