SmarTone officially announced that after a comprehensive and prudent evaluation, it will terminate its 3G mobile communication services on October 9, 2026. This network adjustment is mainly to reallocate spectrum resources and focus network capacity on promoting the development of 5G and new generation communication technologies, thereby further improving the overall user mobile Internet experience.
As 5G networks become increasingly popular in Hong Kong, most mobile communication users have already transitioned to the new generation network. According to data from SmarTone, as of June this year, the number of customers who continue to use 3G networks has continued to decline, and currently accounts for only about one percent of the company’s total mobile communication customers. This reflects that the termination of 3G services is an inevitable trend in market and technological development.
In order to ensure that affected 3G customers have sufficient time to prepare, SmarTone has actually begun to proactively notify relevant users through text messages since last year, reminding them to check as soon as possible whether their existing smartphones and phone cards support 4G or 5G networks. For customers who need to transition, network operators provide a simple upgrade process, including free phone smart card replacement services, and simultaneously launch mobile service plans and smart device upgrade discounts.
During the system transition period, users can use the official online simple guide to easily complete the relevant new network settings on their mobile phones. In addition, for the elderly or customers who are less exposed to digital technology, SmarTone has also strengthened its support across all stores and its 24-hour customer service hotline.
