17 June 2013 - The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today announced the start of a public consultation on the use of TV White Space (TVWS) technology in Singapore.
Singapore, 17 June 2013 | For Immediate Release
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today announced the start of a public consultation on the use of TV White Space (TVWS) technology in Singapore. This consultation marks another step in IDA’s effort to leverage technology advancement to help Singapore develop as the first hyperconnected smart nation.
As demand for mobile communication increases, the availability of radio-frequency spectrum plays an important role in meeting this demand. One innovative technology that further optimises the use of spectrum resource is the TVWS technology, which is developed to enable opportunistic use of under-utilised spectrum within the TV broadcast spectrum channels in a cost-effective manner.
Radio frequencies in the TVWS spectrum bands offer good propagation characteristics that allow wide area outdoor wireless coverage, better building penetration and potential for high-speed connectivity. The range of potential applications that could ride on TVWS technology include the provision of wireless broadband Internet access services, machine-to-machine connectivity, smart metering and outdoor environment or security monitoring networks.
Singapore is one of the few countries in the world, alongside countries like US and UK, at the forefront of exploring the feasibility of such innovative use of spectrum resources. The launch of the public consultation on the proposed regulatory framework on TVWS signals IDA’s commitment in facilitating the deployment of TVWS technology in Singapore. The consultation discusses issues such as licensing mechanism for TVWS devices, TVWS spectrum bands and access mechanism, device co-existence criteria and parameters, and management of geo-location databases. The public consultation will enable IDA to understand the industry’s needs and refine the regulatory framework to ensure that it is in line with international best practices and contextualised to the needs of Singapore’s market and business environment.
Mr Leong Keng Thai, Director-General (Telecoms and Post) of IDA said, “IDA adopts a facilitative approach to encouraging the introduction of new technologies. IDA’s TVWS technical and commercial trial frameworks initiated since 2010 have facilitated the piloting of innovative TVWS applications in Singapore and validating the feasibility of using TVWS technology in Singapore. These trials and pilot projects have contributed to the development of the proposed regulatory framework IDA is issuing today for consultation.”
Mr Leong added, “This public consultation is important for us to better understand the market demand for TVWS technology and applications, industry’s needs and technology challenges, which will enable IDA to develop a regulatory framework that would facilitate the introduction of an innovative technology that would achieve greater spectrum optimisation and the bringing about more innovative solutions and applications for consumers and business users.”
IDA invites interested parties to submit their comments on the proposed TVWS regulatory framework. For more information, please refer to http://www.ida.gov.sg/Policies-and-Regulations/Consultation-Papers-and-Decisions/Open-For-Public-Comments.
ISSUED BY CORPORATE AND MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
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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 more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Adrian CHAN (Mr)
Manager
Corporate and Marketing Communications Division, IDA
Email: adrian_km_chan@imda.gov.sg
Melanie KOH (Ms)
Manager
Corporate and Marketing Communications Division, IDA
Email: melanie_koh@imda.gov.sg
Angie LOW (Ms)
Senior Manager
Corporate and Marketing Communications Division, IDA
Email: angie_low@imda.gov.sg
For queries on the TVWS public consultation, please contact:
Henry FOO (Mr)
Manager, Resource Management & Standards
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Email: henry_foo@imda.gov.sg
Michelle HO (Ms)
Manager, Resource Management & Standards
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Email: michelle_xm_ho@imda.gov.sg
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