The IMDA announced that Singtel and the StarHub–M1 joint-venture have won the call for proposals.
Background: In October 2019, The Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) announced its decision to facilitate two 5G nationwide networks. This ‘initial wave’ of allocation related to the 3.5GHz, 26GHz, and 28GHz bands, to be awarded through a call for proposal (CFP) approach. In February 2020, the IMDA closed the CFP, having received three offers – one each from Singtel and TPG respectively, and a joint submission from StarHub and M1.
The IMDA announces the winners: On 29 April 2020, the IMDA announced the winners of the CFP. The two spectrum packages, each comprising 100MHz in the 3.5GHz band and 800MHz across the 26GHz and 28GHz bands, will be awarded to Singtel and to the StarHub–M1 joint venture. The winners will rollout standalone 5G (SA) networks from January 2021. They will have to cover half of Singapore by end-2022, and achieve full coverage by the end of 2025. They will also have to start using the mmWave spectrum during the first year. The IMDA expects these SA networks to deliver full-fledged 5G capabilities, such as network slicing, ultra-reliable and low latency communications, and massive machine type communications. The two nationwide 5G networks will also be supplemented by localised mmWave deployments that provide high capacity 5G hotspots. These deployments are open to operators which failed to secure spectrum in this award. The two winners will also have to provide wholesale access to other operators upon request.
MNOs can choose network vendors freely: Network design and resilience was an important consideration in the award, since it accounted for 40% of the IMDA’s evaluation of the offers. The IMDA did not impose any limitations on operators’ choice of vendors, which it believes to be entirely commercial. However, operators have to meet the resilience and cybersecurity requirements of the relevant IMDA Codes of Practice. In partnership with network operators, the IMDA will also establish a 5G Security Testbed Programme.
