The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today released the Code of Practice for Competition in the Provision of Telecom Services or the Telecom Competition Code in short. The convergence of markets, technologies and services, warrants a more comprehensive and robust competition framework, which...
Singapore, 15 September 2000 | For Immediate ReleaseThe Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today released the Code of Practice for Competition in the Provision of Telecom Services or the Telecom Competition Code in short.
The convergence of markets, technologies and services, warrants a more comprehensive and robust competition framework, which will facilitate the growth of fair, effective and sustainable competition. The Competition Code seeks to define the boundaries for the conduct of competition in a fully liberalised telecommunications environment. Its objective is to identify the appropriate regulatory regime conducive to the development of a competitive market place. The Code also allows flexibility for operators to respond quickly to market developments, which is crucial in a rapidly evolving industry such as infocomms.
The Code was developed in close consultation with the industry after two rounds of public consultation and two public forums where constructive views were shared. All comments received were carefully considered during the development of the final Code. Consultation with local and international telecommunications experts, as well as studies of best practices in other countries, also contributed to our efforts in putting the Code together.
The Code comprises ten sections, addressing aspects relating to the regulatory regime in a competitive environment. Specifically, Section Two defines what constitutes a dominant licensee in the competitive environment. Another significant component of the Code is the facilitation of interconnection and access arrangements between dominant and non-dominant licensees. The Code allows for licensees to engage in voluntary interconnection negotiations, and a dispute resolution process exists should the licensees fail to reach an agreement.
The Code strives to set clear boundaries for competitive market behaviour while providing sufficient latitude for innovation and rapid response to the demands of the market. It aims to facilitate the rapid entry of new competition and the deployment of innovative services, while ensuring a strong incentive for companies to invest in infrastructure. It will do this by ensuring that operators' build-or-buy decisions are based on reasonable and appropriate economic pricing signals. As competitive market forces develop, IDA is committed to an increasingly light-handed approach to regulation. Over time, it will increasingly rely on market forces to govern the competitive activities of the industry, and there will be greater emphasis on private commercial negotiations and industry self-regulation. As the future unfolds, the need for regulatory intervention should diminish. The Code will be reviewed within three years to ensure its continued relevance as the market evolves. Specifically, where services become competitive, regulations in these areas will be lifted.
The Competition Code of Practice will come into effect on 29 September 2000.
Code of Practice for Infocomm Facilities in Buildings
The Competition Code contains a provision relating to infocomm facilities in buildings. It is therefore appropriate to also review the existing Code of Practice for Telecommunication Facilities in Buildings (COPTEL), which specifies technical requirements for telecommunication facilities in residential and non-residential buildings. The COPTEL, which was first published in 1997, will be replaced by the Code of Practice for Infocomm Facilities in Buildings (COPIF). The technical requirements which have been revised in the COPIF include the size of Main Distribution Frame (MDF) rooms or telecommunication equipment rooms (TER) for shared use by licensees in the provision of telecommunication services to building tenants.
With the implementation of COPIF from 15 September 2000, the IDA will work with the Singapore Broadcasting Authority (SBA) in enforcing technical regulations for cable modem services. The COPIF also incorporates the requirements under CP39, SBA's existing guidelines on cable-ready buildings.
Building developers or owners are required to comply with technical specifications as stated in COPIF, in order to facilitate the installation of broadband coaxial cable systems in new buildings. This is to ensure that all new residential and non-residential buildings in Singapore are broadband-enabled and can support broadband access services using cable modem and other new technologies.
Both the Competition Code of Practice and the COPIF are available under the Policy & Regulation section of the IDA website.
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.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Ms Dulcie CHAN
Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: (65) 6211-1999
Fax: (65) 6211-2227
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