IMDA Updates Mobile Phone Requirements in Singapore (IMDA TS CMT Issue 1 Rev 4

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has announced updated technical requirements for mobile phones in Singapore. These regulatory changes affect manufacturers and companies that plan to register or sell mobile handsets in the Singapore market.

The update is part of the IMDA TS CMT Issue 1 Revision 4 technical specification, published on 6 March 2026. The revision introduces new compliance obligations designed to improve network compatibility and strengthen public safety features on mobile devices.

Companies planning to launch mobile devices in Singapore must ensure their products meet the IMDA mobile phone requirements in Singapore during the certification and equipment registration process.

Updated Technical Standard for Mobile Phones

IMDA released the revised Technical Specification for Cellular Mobile Terminals (IMDA TS CMT Issue 1 Rev 4) to enhance telecommunications standards in Singapore.

The updated specification focuses on improving device compatibility with modern mobile networks and ensuring that mobile phones support critical emergency communication systems.

Manufacturers seeking to register mobile handsets must verify that their devices comply with these updated technical standards before submitting them for approval through the IMDA equipment registration system.

Key Regulatory Changes Under the IMDA Mobile Phone Requirements in Singapore

The updated specification introduces two major compliance requirements that apply to all mobile handsets entering the Singapore market.

These changes support Singapore’s transition toward advanced mobile networks and enhance the country’s emergency alert capabilities.

1. 2G Connectivity Must Be Disabled by Default

Starting 31 December 2026, all mobile phones registered in Singapore must have 2G connectivity disabled by default.

This means that:

• Devices should not automatically enable 2G networks when first powered on.

• The configuration must prioritize newer network technologies such as 4G and 5G.

  
  

The new requirement supports Singapore’s broader transition away from legacy mobile technologies and encourages the use of more advanced network infrastructure.

Manufacturers must ensure that device firmware and network settings are configured correctly before submitting devices for certification under the IMDA mobile phone requirements Singapore framework.

2. Mandatory Emergency Cell Broadcast Support

Beginning 1 April 2026, all mobile handsets must support emergency cell broadcast functionality.

Cell broadcast technology enables authorities to send urgent alerts directly to mobile devices in a specific geographic area. These alerts may include:

• Natural disaster warnings

• Public safety threats

• National emergency announcements

  
  

By requiring emergency broadcast capability, IMDA aims to strengthen national emergency communication systems and ensure that mobile users receive critical safety information quickly.

Manufacturers must confirm that their devices fully support this functionality to comply with the IMDA TS CMT Issue 1 Rev 4 specification.

Exception for End-of-Life Devices

The new requirements do not apply to devices that will reach End of Life (EOL) before the enforcement deadlines.

In this context, End of Life (EOL) refers to products that will no longer be sold in the Singapore market before the new rules take effect.

Manufacturers should carefully evaluate the expected lifecycle of their products to determine whether the exemption applies.

If a device will remain on sale beyond the enforcement dates, it must comply with the updated IMDA mobile phone requirements in Singapore.

Compliance Requirements for Mobile Phone Manufacturers

Companies registering mobile handsets in Singapore must update their submission documentation to reflect the new regulatory requirements.

During the IMDA equipment registration process, manufacturers must:

• Submit an updated Statement of Compliance

• Confirm that the device supports VoLTE functionality

• Ensure 2G connectivity is disabled by default

• Verify support for emergency cell broadcast

  
  

These confirmations are required as part of the official online equipment registration system used by IMDA for telecommunications device certification.

Failure to comply with these requirements may delay approval or prevent devices from entering the Singapore market.

Conclusion

The updated IMDA TS CMT Issue 1 Rev 4 specification introduces important regulatory changes for mobile device compliance in Singapore.

With new requirements covering 2G network configuration, emergency cell broadcast capabilities, and VoLTE support, manufacturers must carefully review their device settings and documentation before submitting products for registration.

By proactively meeting the IMDA mobile phone requirements in Singapore, companies can ensure smoother certification processes and avoid delays when bringing new mobile devices to the Singapore market.