IDA Seeks Consultation on Review of Broadband Quality of Service Framework

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today issued a consultation paper to invite views from the industry and public on a review of the Quality of Service (QoS) standards for broadband access services. Since October 1999, the IDA has put in place a set of minimum QoS standards for the...

Singapore, 22 June 2000 | For Immediate Release

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) today issued a consultation paper to invite views from the industry and public on a review of the Quality of Service (QoS) standards for broadband access services.

Since October 1999, the IDA has put in place a set of minimum QoS standards for the compliance of broadband access service providers. These include indicators for network quality, such as network availability and accessibility (for ADSL and cable modem access), as well as service activation time. However, recent public feedback on broadband access services revealed that consumer expectations have shifted from ease of connectivity to speed of response time. In this consultation paper, the IDA seeks to address this issue by proposing the introduction of two additional QoS indicators; namely, network latency and bandwidth utilisation.

Singapore will be one of the first countries in the world where the regulatory agency is introducing a QoS framework for broadband access services. This review of the existing QoS standards is being undertaken as part of IDA's Infocomm 21 initiative to jumpstart the interactive broadband multimedia (IBBMM) industry. Raising the overall technical performance and service levels of our broadband access providers will contribute towards stimulating demand for and supply of IBBMM content and services.

All views and comments should be submitted in writing to reach the IDA by 12 noon, 31 August 2000. Based on the comments received, IDA will make the appropriate modification to the proposed QoS framework. IDA targets to implement the revised QoS framework by the fourth quarter of 2000.

The consultation paper can be downloaded from the "Policy & Regulation" section of IDA website at www.imda.gov.sg. Click here to access the "Consultation Papers" page. The issuance of consultation papers is part of IDA's ongoing efforts to provide a platform for members of the industry and public to share their views on policy and regulatory matters, taking into account the latest market trends and technology developments.