IDA Conducts Bidding for 4-digit Access Codes

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today conducted an opening bidding session for special 4-digit access codes1 used in the provision of international telecommunication services. The bidding session was conducted and witnessed by IDA's external auditor, PriceWaterhouseCoopers...

Singapore, 5 May 2000 | For Immediate Release

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today conducted an opening bidding session for special 4-digit access codes¹ used in the provision of international telecommunication services. The bidding session was conducted and witnessed by IDA's external auditor, PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

A total of 11 licensees participated in this morning's bidding session for 15xx-level access codes. The group comprised 8 Service-based Operators (SBOs) and 3 Facilities-based Operators (FBOs). Out of the 12 access codes available for bidding, 7 were acquired. The bidding price started at $50,000 and the highest bid price recorded was $77,900 for the access code '1515'. The total bid amount received for the 7 access codes was $457,600. The successful bidders and the corresponding bid prices and access codes are listed below.

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.

Results of Bidding Session for 4-digit Access Code
Access Code	Final Bid Price	Successful Bidder
1515	$77,900	Pinnz Networks Pte Ltd
1500	$76,000	Pacific Internet Ltd
1555	$77,000	MCI WorldCom Asia Pte Ltd
1551	$76,700	I2U Pte Ltd
1588	$50,000	Circle Dot Com(S) Pte Ltd
1511	$50,000	Charlecote Enterprise Pte Ltd
1599	No bids received; withdrawn	-
1533	$50,000	Wherever.net Singapore Pte Ltd
1566	No bids received; withdrawn	-
1522	No bids received; withdrawn	-
1577	No bids received; withdrawn	-
1544	No bids received; withdrawn	-

ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE

Note to Editor:

¹ When calling overseas, a 4-digit access code is dialled before entering the telephone number of the party overseas. This allows the telecommunication service provider to connect the call to the switch of a public basic telecommunication operator (i.e. SingTel or StarHub) for onward transmission to the overseas destination.

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, please visit www.imda.gov.sg.

For media clarification, please contact:

Ms Jennifer Toh
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: (65) 6211-0508
Fax: (65) 6211-2227
Email: jennifer_toh@imda.gov.sg