No sale of 2G devices for local use from Jan 1
Retailers and suppliers will not be able to sell 2G-only mobile devices here from Jan 1, as the authorities move towards pulling the plug on the 2G network service next April.
But the sale of such devices for export or overseas use will still be allowed, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said yesterday.
It will retire the old 2G networks to reallocate radio frequencies more efficiently for high-speed mobile data, such as 3G and 4G networks.
The new regulation appears to be catching up with the market, as telcos said they had stopped selling 2G-only devices as early as in 2008 when 3G and 4G-enabled devices became available.
Mobile retailers contacted by The Straits Times also said they were no longer selling such devices.
FINE
Retailers who continue to sell 2G-only devices after next year could face a fine.
There are about 143,000 lines on 2G services, according to the IMDA. It makes up about 2 per cent of the 8 million mobile users here.
Customers with 2G mobile phones can upgrade their devices while maintaining their current plans and prices at no additional cost, said IMDA, which advised affected users to approach telcos for help.
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