Singapore sets 3G rollout standards
July 30, 2004
Singapore's telecommunication regulator, the Infocomm Development
Authority (IDA), has announced that the country's three 3G licensees
must provide 3G coverage in at least 95% of the population by the
end of the year.
Mobile operators will be marked against a set of requirements to see whether they have successfully rolled out their 3G network in accordance with their license obligations.
The IDA said these criteria are similar to those for 2G coverage and is confident that it will provide a sufficient kick-start to 3G rollout in Singapore.
In addition to the 95% coverage requirement, the 3G signal strength must reach a minimum of 100 decibel milliwatts (dBm).
"In terms of user experience, this measurable service outcome allows users in 95% of Singapore to obtain a signal on their 3G phones for voice and data services," the IDA added.
The IDA has the right to fine operators up to S$1 million, and even suspend or cancel a license, if license conditions are not met.
SingTel, MobileOne and StarHub each paid S$100 million ($56 million) for a 3G license in 2001. Under the terms of the licenses, all three operators are required to launch nation-wide 3G services by end 2004.
SingTel, the country's biggest mobile operator, delayed a 3G consumer trial in December, citing handset problems and failed to launch limited service as expected in March. All three operators are confident of meeting the deadline.
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