The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today conducted an open bidding session for 3-digit access codes used in the provision of international telecommunication services. The bidding session was conducted and witnessed by IDA's external auditor, PriceWaterhouseCoopers...
Singapore, 14 July 2000 | For Immediate ReleaseThe Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today conducted an open bidding session for 3-digit access codes used in the provision of international telecommunication services. The bidding session was conducted and witnessed by IDA's external auditor, PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Four facilities-based operators (FBOs), including MCI WorldCom Asia Pte Ltd, MobileOne Asia Pte Ltd, Singapore Cable Vision (SCV) and Yuana Pte Ltd1, bid for the access codes '002', '038', '033' and '010'. Out of the 4 access codes available for bidding, 2 were acquired. The bidding price started at $50,000 and the highest bid price recorded was $360,000 for the access code '002', which went to MobileOne Asia Pte Ltd. The total bid amount received was $410,000. As there were no bids for '033' and '010', those access codes were withdrawn. The access codes, successful bidders and the corresponding bid prices are as follows:
| Results of Bidding Session for 3-digit Access Codes | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Access Code |
Final Bid Price |
Successful Bidder |
| 002 |
$360,000.00 |
MobileOne (Asia) Pte Ltd |
| 038 |
$50,000.00 |
Yuana Pte Ltd |
| 033 |
- |
Withdrawn |
| 010 |
- |
Withdrawn |
All 4 facilities-based operators have satisfied the criteria set by IDA for bidding of 3-digit access codes. Each operator has committed to invest at least $150 million over the first three years from date of licensing, as well as expressed intentions to serve the mass consumer market base. This means that they will offer international public switched services to the general public. As there is no pre-set limit on the number of licences to be granted since full liberalisation on 1 April 2000, it is expected that 3-digit access codes will be a scarce number resource. The criteria will ensure that the use of scarce numbering resources will be best optimised in the interests of consumer.
The purpose for conducting this open bidding session is to ensure fairness and transparency in the allocation of the access codes. By bidding for the access code of their choice, the licensees are given the opportunity to determine the value of each access code. IDA may recover the access code within 6 months from the date of assignment, if it is not used or used inefficiently.
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, visit www.imda.gov.sg.
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