16 June 2014 - The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) will be introducing a set of regulations for the use of spectrum in the TV White Space (TVWS).
Singapore, 16 June 2014 | For Immediate Release
Consumers and businesses can look forward to innovative services once regulations come into effect in November 2014
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) will be introducing a set of regulations for the use of spectrum in the TV White Space (TVWS)1. Singapore is one of the first few countries in the world to implement such a framework for TVWS. The regulations will make available for use approximately 180 MHz of spectrum when it takes effect from November 2014.
The regulations come after the conclusion of a public consultation in 2013. Taking into account inputs from the industry, these regulations will set out the TVWS equipment requirements, spectrum channels to be made available for TVWS use, and how TVWS equipment should communicate with geo-location databases in order to identify the available spectrum channel to use, among others.
The regulations will also provide business certainty to companies who intend to offer services over TVWS. This signals Singapore's commitment to support TVWS technology as businesses roll out innovative applications and solutions over TVWS. Such applications may include Machine-to-Machine communications, smart metering, outdoor environment and security monitoring services. Consumers will stand to benefit from this additional spectrum. As more Internet-capable devices are launched, it is necessary for more spectrum to be made available to cater for increased data consumption.
Mr Leong Keng Thai, IDA's Deputy Chief Executive and Director General (Telecoms and Post), said, "The TVWS regulatory framework is a step towards Singapore's vision on being the world's first Smart Nation. Regulators all over the world are exploring different ways to efficiently use spectrum, so that they can plan for their countries' future needs. The additional spectrum made available through the TVWS regulatory framework will ensure that Singapore efficiently allocate and use this available bandwidth to support the growing demand for data communication."
IDA will continue to review the allocation of spectrum to ensure the optimal use of scarce spectrum resources, and to facilitate IDA's vision of establishing Singapore as a 'Smart Nation', which is underpinned by a high speed, trusted and resilient infocomm infrastructure, comprising fixed and wireless networks.
ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Related Resources
- Factsheet - TV White Space Technology Deployment in Singapore (85.90KB)
- Explanatory Memo - Regulatory Framework for TV White Space Operations in the VHF/UHF Bands (277.69KB)
Note to Editor
1 TV White Spaces, or TVWS, refer to unused radio spectrum in the TV broadcast bands that could potentially be utilised for alternative wireless broadband communications similar to Wi-Fi capabilities, but with lower-power, lower-cost and longer-range characteristics.
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is to develop information technology and telecommunications within Singapore with a view to serve citizens of all ages and companies of all sizes. IDA does this by actively supporting the growth of innovative technology companies and start-ups in Singapore, working with leading global IT companies as well as developing excellent information technology and telecommunications infrastructure, policies and capabilities for Singapore. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Adrian CHAN (Mr)
Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
DID: (65) 6211 1510
Email: adrian_km_chan@imda.gov.sg
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