Singapore's 3G License Holders Meet Conditions

Singapore's mobile market will get new impetus for growth in the new year in the wake of two announcements from the telecoms regulator. First, all three mobile operators have successfully met IDA's requirement for nationwide rollout of 3G systems and services. Second, IDA will allow the mobile operators the flexibility to charge different prices for calls within and outside of their own networks.

The three mobile operators in Singapore - MobileOne, SingTel Mobile, and StarHub Mobile, have successfully met the IDA's licence requirement for the nationwide rollout of 3G systems and services by 31 December 2004. IDA used the measurement criteria of "at least 95% of street-level 3G radio coverage on the island of Singapore, by 31 December 2004, using a signal strength that is greater or equals to minus 100dBm". This is an objective measure of what the 3G network can minimally provide on service launch. All three operators achieved radio coverage scores of above 98%.

Mr Leong Keng Thai, IDA's Deputy Chief Executive and Director-General (Telecoms) said, "This result and the positive initial response from consumers show that IDA's requirement of a nationwide rollout is justified. With the network infrastructure in place, Singapore consumers can look forward to enjoying mobile broadband services delivered to their mobile phones and PCs."

IDA conducted signal strength measurements on drive-tests routes that extend throughout the island of Singapore to ascertain whether the measurement criteria had been met. Over 200,000 signal strength samples were taken from each operator's network along 47 major road routes and at 20 public housing estates. Operators had to meet at least the minimum signal strength level for 95% or more of the total signal strength samples collected.

IDA's measurement criteria is a technical requirement for coverage. In terms of user experience, this is a measurable service outcome that translates to users in 95% of Singapore being able to obtain a signal on their 3G phones that allows them to receive voice and data services. This criteria is aligned with IDA's current measurement of out-door radio coverage for 2G services. Consistent with its market-based allocation approach for 3G spectrum, IDA believes that the form and quality of a service should be left to competitive market forces. The operators have commercial incentive to define and expand the experience of its 3G customers, and ensure a good service outcome according to their own business strategy. IDA also expects that as 3G adoption grows, the operators will need to make improvements and refinements at the technical and service levels."

Posted to the site on 6th January 2005