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Cessation of 3G Services
General
Why is StarHub shutting down its 3G network?
Singapore's telecommunications sector is phasing out the 3G network, enabling customers to fully embrace the benefits of 4G and 5G services. With the widespread adoption of 4G and 5G networks, users will experience speeds that are much faster than what 3G offers. This advancement avails exciting possibilities for customers to utilize emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), which were previously limited by the constraints of 3G.
When is StarHub shutting down its 3G network?
As announced on 26 July 2023, our 3G network will be discontinued from 31 July 2024.
StarHub is committed to working closely with our customers to ensure a seamless migration from the 3G network to the faster and more advanced 4G and 5G networks. We understand the importance of providing our customers with a smooth transition, and we'll be readily available to assist and support you throughout this process. With the superior speeds and enhanced capabilities of 4G and 5G, we aim to deliver an even better mobile experience for our valued customers.
How will this closure affect me? What do I need to do?
You may be affected if you’re still on a 3G plan or using a 3G-only or 4G non-VoLTE device when 3G services are discontinued. In such cases, you won't be able to access mobile voice, SMS, and data services. Additionally, if you manually set your device's network mode to 3G, you’ll lose connectivity.
But we've got you covered! We encourage you to switch to a newer 4G/5G device with VoLTE support or set your phone network mode to 4G/5G. By doing so, you can continue enjoying mobile services seamlessly with faster speeds and enhanced capabilities on our 4G and 5G networks. We’re here to assist you throughout the process and ensure a smooth transition.
Does this 3G network closure impact both prepaid and postpaid customers?
Yes, this 3G closure will affect both prepaid and postpaid customers using 3G-only or 4G non-VoLTE mobile devices or have manually set their phone network mode to 3G.
How does this 3G network closure impact roamers who connect to the StarHub network?
When 3G services are discontinued, roamers with 3G-only or 4G non-VoLTE mobile or who manually set their phone network mode to 3G won’t be able to use SMS, voice or mobile data services.
Your home operator must have a 4G and/or VoLTE roaming agreement with StarHub to use 4G data and voice services in the StarHub network. For more information, please check with your home operator.
For outbound roamers, the discontinuation of 3G services in Singapore will not impact you, as the networks overseas depend on the destination country. You may wish to check that your destination country still supports 3G services to ensure your 3G-only or 4G non-VoLTE mobile device can be used.
How do I check if my phone mobile network is on 3G mode and how do I activate 4G/5G mode?
You can check and manage your mobile network settings on your device.
Android
Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode.
iOS
Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options.
Please select 4G or 5G to ensure your services continue without interruption.
If there is no option to activate 4G/5G, this means your phone is a 3G-only phone. Upgrade to a 4G/5G phone and take advantage of our latest online mobile offers here. You can also visit any StarHub shop.
If you can switch your devices to 4G/5G mode, you need to check that your plan is not under any of the affected 3G plans below.
Plans
What plans are affected by the 3G network closure and will I need to change my mobile plan to enjoy 4G/5G connection?
You'll need to change your mobile plan if your existing plan is a 3G-only plan.
Below are the 3G plans that don’t support 4G/5G services:
- MaxMobile SurfLite Data Pack
- MaxMobile Ultimate DataPack
- MaxMobile Ultimate 2 Data Pack
- MaxMobile Elite Data Pack
- MaxMobile Basic DataPack
- Power Chat (100day)
- Power Now 160
- Power Connect
- Power Call
- Power Talk
- Power Talk II
- Power Value 100
- Power Play
- Power Value 80
- Power Value 300
- Power Value 700
- Power Play II
- SmartSurf 100
- SmartSurf 300
- SmartSurf 700
- SmartSurf Lite
- SmartSurf Premium
- SmartSurf Value
How can I check my current plan?
Here are the ways to check your current plan:
a) Refer to your StarHub bill.
b) Login to StarHub App, go to “Mobile”, select the mobile service, tap the three-dot menu and select “Plan details”.
c) Visit your nearest StarHub Shop.
If you’re already on a 4G plan, you can simply switch to a newer 4G/5G device or set your phone network mode to 4G/5G.
What should I do if I’m holding to one of the affected plans?
To remain connected to our mobile services, you’ll need to switch to a 4G/5G plan. You will not be able to use mobile voice, SMS and data services if you’re on a 3G plan after the discontinuation date.
Depending on the type of 3G plans you have, we offer several options, including the plans below:
4G $25 No Contract SIM Only plan | 4G $8 No Contract SIM Only plan – Seniors aged 60 and above | |
Monthly Subscription | $20 (U.P.$25.47) ($5 Off for 24 months) | $8.15 |
Bundled Data | 80GB (30GB + Free 50GB x 24mths) | 10GB |
Bundled Talktime | 1,000 mins | 350 mins |
Bundled SMS | 1,000 SMS | 100 SMS |
Additional benefit | Free International Roaming (U.P.$10 per month) | Free Caller Number Display (U.P.$5.45 per month) |
For the latest offers, visit our nearest StarHub Shop.
Devices
What devices are affected by the 3G closure?
All 3G-only devices (including phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices) and some older 4G phones without VoLTE support will be affected.
How do I check if my device is 3G-only support?
To check if your device is 3G-only or has no VoLTE support, please refer to your device manual or enquire with your device manufacturer.
Alternatively, if your phone can activate 4G/5G, then your device will not be affected by this 3G closure. Please refer to FAQ 5 below for steps on how to activate 4G/5G on your device.
What is VoLTE?
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a feature that allows you to make voice calls using our 4G network. Your mobile device will use 4G to make and receive these calls in areas where 4G (LTE) is available.
If your device does not support VoLTE, your voice call will be impacted when the 3G network is closed.
Here is a sample list of non-VoLTE support devices for reference:
| Smartphone Brand | Year Launched | Sample Models (non- exhaustive) |
| Apple | Year 2013 and earlier | 5/5S/5C/4/4S/3G/3GS |
| Samsung | Year 2018 and earlier | Galaxy S4, Galaxy A3/A5/A7, Galaxy J1/J2/J4/J5 |
| Huawei | Year 2018 and earlier | Mate 8/9/10, Y6, P9 |
| Oppo | Year 2019 and earlier | R7, R7Plus, R9s, R9sPlus, A77 (2017), A37 |
| Xiaomi | Year 2020 and earlier | Redmi Note 2/3/4/5/6, 9a, Mi 5, Mi Max 2 |
| Vivo | Year 2020 and earlier | V15/V15 Pro, V11/V11 Pro, Y95, Neo |
What do I need to do if I am holding on to a 3G-only or non-VoLTE device?
3G services will be available until 31 July 2024, so you can use your 3G device till then.
However, we strongly encourage you to switch to a 4G/5G phone as soon as possible. Take advantage of our latest online mobile offers here or visit any StarHub shop.
For customers who wish to buy a 4G/5G phone without a mobile plan, we offer several affordable options, including the Oppo A17K, with prices as low as $169.
Please visit any StarHub shop or StarHub Exclusive Partner for the latest offers.
If you’re already holding on to a 4G/5G VoLTE-supported device, just make sure that your VoLTE setting is switched on.
How do I enable 4G and VoLTE on my devices?
Android
To connect to 4G on Android phones, please go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode and select 5G/LTE/3G/2G or LTE/3G/2G.
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) should automatically be enabled for your Android device. If you’ve previously disabled VoLTE and want to reenable it, or would like to check if it’s enabled on your Android device, please go to your Settings > Mobile Networks.
iOS
If you have an iPhone 6 or later generation of iPhone, the VoLTE functionality should be automatically enabled.
To check the settings for 4G/5G on Apple iOS phone, please go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice and Data.
I'm currently on a dual-SIM device. How do I know if the second SIM card slot supports 4G/5G?
Any 4G device purchased between 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2020 should most likely support 4G on its 2nd SIM card slot. This applies to 4G/5G devices purchased from 2020.
Please check with your handset manufacturer for more details.
With the closure of the 3G network, does that mean StarHub will no longer offer SMS?
SMS is still supported on 4G/5G networks. You need only to ensure that you’re using a 4G/5G device.
Coverage
What’s your 4G/5G coverage now? Will I experience issues with the network after the 3G closure?
We currently have more than 99% and 95% nationwide outdoor coverage on our 4G and 5G networks respectively. You can use your mobile services as usual as long as you have a 4G/5G plan and device.
Why am I still receiving a 3G signal after 31 July 2024? Is there an extension of the closure date?
The 3G closure is being done progressively to reduce disruption to affected customers.
SIM
Will I need to change my SIM card to enjoy 4G/5G connection?
All our SIM cards support 4G service. However if you are consistently connected to 3G even if you are using a compatible 4G/5G device, please consider SIM card change via StarHub app or in one of our retail shop. SIM change fee will be waived.