Singapore To Issue 3G License Draft Rules Next Wk

date: 18th January 2001

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, or IDA, said it will release draft rules for the auction of third-generation, or 3G, wireless licenses next week, reports the Business Times Thursday in an interview with IDA's Deputy Chief Executive Leong Keng Thai.

Leong said the draft rules will include details of the auction process "to prevent things like jacking up of bids and possible collusion."

The report said IDA could change some existing 3G auction rules depending on feedback it gets from industry players. It will, however, maintain its reserve price, or minimum bid level, at S$150 million a license.

Already, IDA officials have spoken to over 20 telecommunications companies from Europe, U.S. and Asia, said Leong. "And, therefore, having spoken to them, we felt we might need to build in at least a short period for consultation, so people have the opportunity to comment on the rules. And where comments are valid, we will want to make changes to accommodate the industry."

The report said industry players will have two weeks to make comments and suggestions. IDA will then take another fortnight to process the feedback before publishing the final bid package and inviting bidders.

In early January, IDA said the 3G auction would take place either in April or May.

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