The sale of 2G-only mobile devices in Singapore will be banned from Jan. 1, 2017, as the city-state prepares to pull the plug on its 2G networks, Mobile World Live reported Dec. 12.

However, suppliers with a dealer's license may continue selling 2G devices for export, according to Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority.

Singapore's 2G networks will be retired on April 1, 2017, so that the IMDA can reassign spectrum for more advanced mobile services.

Local telcos M1, Singtel and StarHub Ltd. will assist the regulator in shifting users to their 3G and 4G networks.