M1 will retire all 3G services, including voice, messaging and data, with effect from 1 August 2024. The plan to retire 3G services, which are no longer widely used in Singapore, is in line with the global move by leading and developed markets to retire aged technology and invest in new 5G services. With the retirement of its 3G networks, M1 will be able to repurpose some of the freed-up spectrum to improve its 5G services which offer a better user experience in the form of faster speeds and higher data throughput. 5G also offers greater security and reliability.
With the retirement of its 3G networks, M1 will be able to repurpose some of the freed-up spectrum to improve its 5G services which offer a better user experience in the form of faster speeds and higher data throughput. 5G also offers greater security and reliability.
M1 has been conducting outreach efforts to encourage customers who are relying on M1’s 3G network to upgrade their 3G devices to be compatible with the newer 4G and 5G mobile networks over the years. Since the 3G network retirement date was announced in July 2023, M1 has ramped up its outreach efforts by proactively reaching out to these customers to communicate the transition via calls, SMSes and emails. Staff at all M1 retail stores have also been rendering assistance and advice to customers, especially the elderly. These efforts have greatly helped to reduce customers using 3G handsets to a low percentage of M1’s current overall mobile base.
Move will enable M1 to repurpose more spectrum for improved 5G services –
Today, all M1 mobile customers are on either 4G or 5G plans. To encourage the small number of customers on 3G handsets that rely on the 3G network to benefit from these plans and to ensure minimal service disruption to them, M1 has been reaching out with a wide variety of attractive promotions to upgrade their 3G handsets to 4G or 5G-enabled ones, including a no-contract option to upgrade to a new handset for as low as $168 and additional discounts when customers trade in their 3G devices.
“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,” said Mr Manjot Singh Mann, M1’s Chief Executive Officer. “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.”
Customers who require assistance may contact the M1 hotline or visit any M1 retail store before end July. Priority lines and queues will be available for them at the hotline and stores respectively.