About IDA approved handphone list

Q: What is IDA?
A: The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre.

Q: What are the IDA approved handphones?
A: The list of IDA-approved mobile phones can be found on IDA's Web site under Policy & Regulation. For more direct access to the list of approved handsets.

Q: What if the handset model, which I purchased, is not on the list? Is there still a chance of getting approval from IDA?
A: Mobile phones that can work well with singapore local network would have been type approved by IDA. You should check with or alert IDA if you are offered a non-type approved mobile phone to be used in Singapore.

Q: Can I buy a handphones Singapore / overseas and use it in Malaysia?
A: Overseas / Singapore purchased mobile phones may be used in Malaysia provided that they have been individually approved by the mobile service provider (DIGI, Maxis, Celcom, TM &etc) for connection to its network. As the cellphone has to work with the local mobile network, the service provider needs to check and ensure that the phone can be properly connected to the service provider's network.

However, there is no guarantee that mobile phones purchased overseas can work in Malaysia. For GSM1800 phones, some overseas network operators may have incorporated a built-in feature to "lock" the phones to work with their networks only. In this case, it will not be possible to use the handset unless you unlock it, normally the warranty is void for those "unlocked" handphone.

Q: Can I buy a non-approved (IDA) handphone from a retailer in Singapore and use it here?
A: Non-type-approved mobile phones in Singapore are meant for export only and cannot be approved for local use. If you get a non-IDA approved handphone form Singapore & would like to use it in Malaysia, is still depend on Malaysia service provider.