2G services in Hong Kong are currently provided to consumers using spectrum in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. Individual mobile network operators (MNOs) have refarmed part of the assigned frequency spectrum in the above two bands with a view to providing more advanced mobile services. With less spectrum deployed for 2G networks, MNOs may gradually scale down or cease their provision of 2G services.

Further to Hutchison Telephone Company Limited (Hutchison)’s cessation of its 2G services from 30 September 2021¹, SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited (SmarTone) has applied for and received the Communications Authority’s prior consent to cease the provision of all its 2G services starting from 14 October 2022. For details, please refer to the press release issued by the Office of the Communications Authority.

Mobile technologies have been evolving rapidly over the past decades. With the launch of the fifth generation mobile services since April 2020 and the continuous migration of 2G customers to higher generation of mobile services, some other MNO(s) may, subject to market considerations, cease their provision of 2G services entirely some time in future in order to redeploy the spectrum concerned to provide more advanced and innovative mobile services to customers.

If 2G service subscribers or customers using 2G mobile devices have any enquiries about the 2G services they are currently using, they are strongly advised to contact their service providers for information, and to consider upgrading their service plans and mobile devices as early as possible in order to enjoy more advanced and innovative functions and features available from newer generations of mobile services.

Office of the Communications Authority

11 August 2022