Lifts in HDB Flats Fitted with Lift Monitoring Devices that Rely on 3G Modems

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) currently, how many and what proportion of lifts in HDB flats are fitted with lift monitoring devices that are using 3G modems; (b) what will be the impact on lift monitoring when the 3G network is retired on 31 July 2024 if such lifts are not retrofitted with 4G or 5G modems; and (c) how is the Ministry assisting town councils, management corporation strata titles and companies that provide lift monitoring services to prevent any negative impact on lift monitoring after 31 July 2024.

All lifts in Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks are installed with Lift Monitoring Devices (LMDs) to monitor the lifts' performance and operating status. About 23,000 lifts, which constitute about 85% of all HDB lifts, are fitted with LMDs that use the 3G network. LMDs in HDB blocks completed from October 2022 onwards have been equipped with 4G capabilities.

In 2021, HDB launched the LMD Enhancement Programme as part of efforts to enhance the reliability of lifts in HDB estates. Under this programme, HDB will replace all LMDs that are still operating on the 3G network with LMDs that operate on the 4G network to enhance connectivity, data processing capability and cybersecurity. HDB is working with the vendors to accelerate the replacement works for the remaining lifts and targets to complete the programme by end-2025.

LMDs on 3G networks will continue to be supported until they are all replaced under the LMD Enhancement Programme. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) requires network operators to ensure that remaining 3G enterprise subscribers successfully migrate to the 4G or 5G networks before the 3G networks are retired.

The Ministry of National Development and HDB are working with the Ministry of Communications and Information, IMDA and the mobile network operators to manage the transition to 4G-enabled LMDs alongside the retirement of 3G networks. HDB has been progressively rolling out the LMD replacements and will engage the respective Town Councils on the scheduling of replacement works in their towns in due course.

For lift monitoring systems installed in privately-owned buildings, such as condominiums or other non-residential buildings, building owners or their managing agents should approach their system vendors to transit to 4G-enabled LMDs.