SingTel et al to Disconnect 2G by 2017: My Take

With the massive growth on 4G-LTE platform, operators across the globe are planning for a opt-out from old technology based services. As per GSA report, there are 635 million LTE subscription worldwide in the Q1 of 2015 - that is equivalent to an impressive 151.4% annual growth.

On 15th June, 2015 Singtel, M1 and StarHub - the three mobile carriers of Singapore jointly announced that they will stop offering 2G services w.e.f April 1, 2017. Presently only 2.5 mobile users in Singapore use 2G services. The carriers told that 2G spectrum will be refarmed for more data friendly 3G & 4G services. They will offer smooth transition for 2G to 3G/4G.

Singapore can do that as there 4G coverage is near to 100%, thanks to the compact geographical area of the country. Not only that operators need more 1800MHz for robust LTE coverage.