The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore will be adopting the auction method to allocate spectrum for wireless broadband access (WBA). This is because at the close of applications from parties interested to obtain WBA spectrum rights, the demand for spectrum exceeds the available spectrum lots.
Singapore, 27 April 2005 | For Immediate Release
Seven Applicants Interested to Bid for Spectrum
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) will be adopting the auction method to allocate spectrum for wireless broadband access (WBA)1. This is because at the close of applications from parties interested to obtain WBA spectrum rights, the demand for spectrum exceeds the available spectrum lots. An open and market-driven auction method is adopted as it is the most transparent, fair and efficient way to allocate spectrum to those who value it most.
At the close of applications and Initial Offers for WBA spectrum on 21 April 2005, a total of seven applications, totalling 38 Initial Offers, were received. IDA annouced earlier that it will be making available 140 MHz of WBA bandwidth in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz frequency bands. This will be divided into 25 lots to be allocated to successful applicants2.
All seven applicants have been qualified and are eligible to participate in the auction, which is scheduled to commence on 16 May 2005. The applicants are:
- inter-touch Holdings (Singapore) Pte Ltd
- MobileOne Ltd
- Pacific Internet Corporation Pte Ltd
- Qala Singapore Pte Ltd
- Singapore Telecom Mobile Pte Ltd
- StarHub Ltd
- Zone Telecom Pte Ltd
Mr Leong Keng Thai, IDA's Deputy Chief Executive and Director-General (Telecoms) said, "IDA is pleased with the strong interest shown by the industry for spectrum to deliver wireless broadband access services to end-users. With the deployment of wireless broadband networks, we are confident that fresh competition will be injected into the local broadband market. Businesses and consumers can look forward to enjoying wider broadband offerings at more competitive prices."
ISSUED BY CORPORATE & MARKETING COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Notes to Editor:
1 A WBA network, typically operating at frequency bands under 6 GHz, provides access at speeds of 256 kbps and above, to both mobile users and fixed locations. Each base station generally serves an area of up to several square kilometres. Examples of such wireless broadband systems are those based on the IEEE 802.16 and IEEE 802.20 standards.
2 IDA announced earlier, on 25 February 2005, the WBA spectrum rights licensing and auction details. More information can be found in the 25 February 2005 media release at www.ida.gov.sg. Further details of the WBA spectrum and finalised auction rules can also be found under the sections "Policy & Regulation", "Wireless Broadband Spectrum Rights Auction".
Supplementary Information:
Please refer to the IDA Media Portal at https://www.imda.gov.sg/ for a brief introduction to Wireless Broadband and an Overview of Spectrum Management in Singapore. A quick overview of the available WBA Technologies Today can also be found on the IDA website.
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies.
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms Dulcie Chan (Ms)
Assistant Director,
Corporate & Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 6211-1999
Fax: +65 6211-2227
Email: dulcie_chan@imda.gov.sg
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