Advertisement

IMDA launches public consultation on 5G network rollout

PHOTO: Getty Images
PHOTO: Getty Images

SINGAPORE — The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced on Tuesday (7 May) that it is launching a second public consultation to seek views from the industry and public on the appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies for 5G next-generation mobile network.

The key areas of consultation include:

  • the approach to allocate spectrum to mobile network operators (MNOs), in order to support the deployment of at least two nationwide 5G networks at the outset

  • The baseline regulatory requirements on MNOs which are allocated the spectrum

  • Building the broader 5G ecosystem through innovative 5G use-cases, skills and manpower development and other areas of government support to drive innovation and development.

The feedback from this consultation will help IMDA in facilitating the network rollout next year, as well as identify innovative 5G applications and services for Singapore, IMDA said in its media statement.

The public consultation will start from Tuesday and close on 19 June. For full details, please visit here.

IMDA chief executive Tan Kiat How said, “I encourage interested parties to share your views with us. These insights will guide our regulatory approach and industry development efforts in ensuring Singapore’s connectivity infrastructure remains globally competitive in support of our Digital Economy ambitions.”

Network to be ‘critical part’ of digital economy

The 5G network is being tested by the three incumbent telcos in Singapore, and IMDA has waived spectrum fees for such trials until the end of the year. Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran said separately in Parliament on Tuesday that the 5G networks and technology will be a “critical part” of Singapore’s digital economy,

Consumers will be able to enjoy enhanced and immersive user experience, such as cloud gaming, access to augmented reality/virtual reality content and live streaming of 4K/8K videos.

Businesses will be able to develop innovative applications and improve productivity and efficiency in a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, transport, media and healthcare.

IMDA plans to allocate the 3.5 GHz, and the 26 GHz and 28 GHz millimetre wave bands for 5G in the initial tranche of spectrum allocation to MNOs who are interested to deploy 5G technology.

It intends to assign the 5G spectrum through a Call For Proposal (CFP) process, requiring interested MNOs to submit detailed proposals on their nationwide 5G deployment plans for assessment. The CFP is expected to be issued later this year.

Other Singapore stories:

Hospital doctor fined $7k for forging his own MCs due to depression from break-up

83% of Singaporeans prefer independent body to assess online falsehoods: survey

Parliament: MPs divided over decriminalisation of attempted suicide