Singapore Updates IMDA TS CMT Rules

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has released Issue 1 Revision 4 (March 2026) of the IMDA TS CMT technical specification for cellular mobile terminals. The update introduces new compliance requirements affecting devices connecting to Singapore public mobile networks, including 2G default-off settings and emergency cell broadcast functionality.

The IMDA TS CMT specification applies to a wide range of cellular equipment such as handheld devices, portable devices, vehicle-mounted equipment, and RF interface cards or modems that connect to public cellular networks using technologies like UMTS, LTE/LTE-Advanced, and 5G NR.

Manufacturers targeting the Singapore market should review the new specification carefully to ensure continued compliance and smooth type approval processes.

Key Changes Introduced in IMDA TS CMT Rev 4

The updated IMDA TS CMT specification introduces two major new requirements impacting device functionality and compliance testing.

2G Connectivity Disabled by Default

Under the revised specification, 2G connectivity must be switched off in the device’s factory default configuration. Devices should not connect or attempt to connect to 2G networks unless the user manually enables this capability.

This change reflects the continued transition away from legacy cellular technologies and aligns device behavior with evolving mobile network infrastructure.

Emergency Cell Broadcast Requirements

The specification also introduces mandatory emergency cell broadcast functionality for applicable devices. These capabilities ensure that users can receive government emergency alerts through cellular networks.

The requirements include:

• Display of emergency warning notifications without requiring user interaction

• Ability to present messages in multiple languages

• Storage of received alerts for later review

• Support for receiving multiple alerts concurrently

• Support for embedded URLs and telephone numbers within alert messages

These features strengthen public safety communication capabilities within Singapore’s mobile ecosystem.

Enforcement Timeline

IMDA has defined phased enforcement dates for the new requirements.

• Emergency cell broadcast functionality will apply to all applicable handsets starting 1 April 2026.

• 2G default-off configuration will be enforced for all handsets beginning 31 December 2026.

Devices that have reached end-of-life before these enforcement dates are excluded from the new requirements.

Devices Affected by the Update

The revised IMDA TS CMT specification applies to equipment that connects directly to Singapore public cellular networks.

Examples include:

• Smartphones

• Tablets with cellular connectivity

• Cellular modems and dongles

• Vehicle-mounted cellular equipment

• RF interface cards

Because the scope extends beyond consumer devices, manufacturers in automotive, industrial, and IoT sectors should also review the updated requirements.

Type Approval and Market Access Considerations

The updated specification directly affects type approval submissions for cellular devices in Singapore.

Manufacturers must ensure that:

• Default device configurations comply with the 2G disabled requirement

• Devices support emergency cell broadcast features

• Compliance documentation and testing evidence reflect these changes

Failure to meet these requirements could delay certification or market access approvals.

How Entirety Can Support Compliance

Companies navigating evolving telecom regulations may benefit from continuous monitoring of regulatory changes. Entirety provides Regulatory Intelligence services to help organizations track wireless regulatory developments and maintain compliance across global markets.

Learn more:
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Impact Assessment

Technical Standards? ✅ Yes
Type Approval & Market Access? ✅ Yes
Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? ❌ No
Spectrum Management? ❌ No