Singapore and Japan to Encourage Operators to Lower International Mobile Roaming Retail Rates to Benefit Consumers

The Memorandum of Cooperation will benefit travellers between the countries on business and leisure

SINGAPORE, 29 November 2017 - The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan (“MIC”) and the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (“IMDA”) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to work toward lowering International Mobile Roaming (“IMR”) retail rates.

Through the Memorandum of Cooperation, the MIC and IMDA hope to lower Inter-Operator Tariffs (“IOTs”), which is a key component of the IMR cost structure. This will benefit travellers between the countries on business and leisure.

The MIC and IMDA will encourage mobile network operators of both countries to enter into negotiations with the view of lowering the IOTs of IMR services (i.e. voice, Short Message Service (“SMS”), and data). The IMR retail rates will be reviewed, taking into consideration the outcome of the negotiations.

About Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is responsible for the realization of growth strategies applying information communications technologies (ICT), in addition to the administration of local autonomy etc. MIC works to enhance the competition in the telecommunications market and to promote the development of a secure and reliable environment for using information-communications.

About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and 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:

LOW Angie (Ms)
Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing Division, IMDA
DID: (65) 6211 0599
Email: angie_low@imda.gov.sg

CHUA Hian Hou (Mr)
Deputy Director, Communications and Marketing Division, IMDA
DID: (65) 6202 4956
Email: chua_hian_hou@imda.gov.sg