IMDA announces the cessation of equipment registration and sales of 3G-only mobile terminals and Non-VoLTE capable mobile/smart phones.
Please refer to the below timeline and events to consider for the process of cessation defined by IMDA
| From July 26th, 2023 | – When selling 3G-Only devices, suppliers must advise customers that 3G services will cease from July 31st, 2024.- If customers wish to purchase unregitered 3G-only devices for overseas use after February 1st, 2024, dealers (with Individual License) may sell the mobile terminals to them, but only on the understanding that the mobile terminals are strictly for export purposes and/or for overseas use only. |
| November 1st, 2023 | IMDA to stop accepting new registration and renewals of 3G-only mobile terminals and Non-VoLTE capable mobile/smart phones |
| From February 1st, 2024 | – IMDA will de-register the approved registrations of 3G-only mobile terminals and Non-VoLTE capable mobile/smart phones – The sale of these devices will no longer be allowed. Dealers/manufacturers are informed that from this date on, all sales shall be stopped. – Only those suppliers who have been granted Dealer (individual) License by IMDA may import these devices, but for export purposes and/or use overseas only |
| July 31st, 2024 | Full cessation of MNOs’ 3G Networks and 3G services MNOs – Referring to Singtel Mobile Singapore Pte Ltd, StarHub Mobile Pte Ltd and M1 Limited, collectively known as MNOs |
Important: This decision from IMDA, also encourages that suppliers also ensure that VoLTE is enabled for 4G or 5G mobile/smart phones. With the cessation of 3G networks, voice call services such as those to emergency services can only be made via VoLTE.
Type Approval Impacted? No
Spectrum Impacted? No
Imports Impacted? Yes
Standards: No
Product Impacted? Yes – all 3G-only mobile terminals and Non-VoLTE capable mobile/smartphones
