China Mobile HK to End 2G Services on June 23, 2026, Marking the Close of the 2G Era in Hong Kong

Communications Authority grants consent to CMHK to cease its 2G services

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced today (December 16) the Communications Authority (CA)'s decision to grant prior consent to China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (CMHK) for its application to cease the provision of second generation mobile (2G) services on June 23, 2026.

Having considered various relevant factors, the CA approved the application pursuant to Special Condition 10.4 of CMHK's Unified Carrier Licence. These include the very low proportion of customers affected (including customers of 2G pre-paid services, those who are still using 2G handsets/devices for connection to CMHK's network and those using handsets/devices that do not support VoLTE (Note) function), and CMHK's provision of support services for the affected customers such as offers to upgrade service plans or to replace handsets/devices. For customers who choose not to continue the service or not to replace their handsets/devices, CMHK will make reasonable service termination arrangements and provide them with sufficient advance notification and customer service support. Moreover, the CA has required CMHK to maintain satisfactory 2G services until the scheduled service cessation date.

CMHK is the last operator to shut down its 2G mobile network and will cease the provision of its 2G services on June 23, 2026. Affected customers may refer to the relevant press release issued by CMHK today or contact the company for details of the arrangements.

After the phased shutdown of 2G mobile networks by individual mobile network operators, June 23, 2026, will mark the end of the 2G era in Hong Kong. OFCA takes this opportunity to call for customers of 2G services and those who are still using 2G handsets/devices to upgrade their service plans and handsets/devices before June 23, 2026, to ensure the continuity of their mobile services. OFCA also encourages members of the public to assist their family and friends, especially the elderly, in upgrading their services in order to experience better service quality and more advanced and diversified features provided by the newer generations of mobile services.

Note: VoLTE, which stands forVoice over Long Term Evolution (LTE), isa technology that enables voice calls to be made over a 4G LTE network instead of older 2G or 3G networks.

Photo source: online image

Hong Kong Customs detects first drug trafficking case involving underwater compartment of ocean-going vessel and seizes suspected cocaine worth about $256 million

​Hong Kong Customs, in a joint operation with Mainland Customs anti-smuggling departments, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department, detected its first drug trafficking case where an underwater compartment of an ocean-going vessel was used for drug concealment. During the operation on November 5 in Tsing Yi, Hong Kong Customs officers seized about 417 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value about $256 million and arrested two men.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Hong Kong Customs identified an ocean-going vessel and suspected that criminals were utilising its underwater hull structure to conceal drugs, and thereby formulated enforcement actions. On November 5, the ocean-going vessel that departed from Brazil was selected for underwater inspection, and 11 bags of suspected cocaine, weighing about 417kg in total, were found in an underwater compartment. After a follow-up investigation, Hong Kong Customs officers arrested two men, aged 45 and 37, who were suspected of being involved in the case in Tsing Yi.

The two arrested men have been released pending further investigation. The investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, Hong Kong Customs will step up enforcement action to resolutely combat different kinds of drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Hong Kong Customs' 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects first drug trafficking case involving underwater compartment of ocean-going vessel and seizes suspected cocaine worth about $256 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases