SINGAPORE – 14 December, 2016: The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) today concluded the New Entrant Spectrum Auction (NESA). TPG Telecom Pte Ltd (TPG) made the winning bid of S$105 million, and will be provisionally1 allocated 60 MHz of spectrum made available in the NESA, comprising 20 MHz in the 900 MHz spectrum band and 40 MHz in the 2.3 GHz spectrum band to provide International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and IMT-Advanced services (e.g. 4G services). The new spectrum rights are expected to commence on 1 April 2017 at the earliest2.
To facilitate the entry of a new mobile network operator (MNO), IMDA had set aside the 60 MHz of spectrum in the NESA that only pre-qualified prospective new entrant bidders may bid for. The entry of the new MNO is expected to enhance innovation and competition in the mobile market.
TPG will be required to utilise the allocated spectrum to provide nationwide street level coverage for 4G within 18 months from the start of the new spectrum rights; road tunnels and in-building service coverage within 30 months from the start of the new spectrum rights; and coverage for MRT underground stations/lines within 54 months from the start of the new spectrum rights.
IMDA will next proceed with the second stage of the auction, the General Spectrum Auction (GSA), which will be open to the existing MNOs – M1, Singtel Mobile and StarHub Mobile. TPG may also participate in the GSA3. IMDA aims to commence the GSA in the first quarter of 2017.
1 The spectrum allocation will only be final when the assignment of the frequencies in the respective bands has been completed after the relevant spectrum fees have been paid.
2 The actual commencement date of the spectrum rights will depend on when the General Spectrum Auction is completed.
3 TPG will be subject to the following spectrum caps: (i) 40 MHz of 700 MHz; (ii) 20 MHz of 900 MHz; and (iii) an aggregate total of 75 MHz.
ISSUED BY THE INFO-COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
About Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)
The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) will develop a vibrant, world-class infocomm media sector that drives the economy, connects people, bonds communities and powers Singapore's Smart Nation vision. IMDA does this by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICT and media infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment. IMDA also enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Adrian CHAN (Mr)
Manager, Regulatory Communications, IMDA
DID: (65) 6211 1510
Email: adrian_km_chan@imda.gov.sg
Eugene NEUBRONNER (Mr)
Manager, Regulatory Communications, IMDA
DID: (65) 6211 1182
Email: eugene_neubronner@imda.gov.sg
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