Code of Practice for Info-communication Facilities in Buildings (COPIF) ensures that developers and/or owners of buildings and developments provide adequate space and facilities for the deployment and operation of equipment used for providing info-communication services to the buildings.
SINGAPORE – 26 April, 2017: The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) today published a Consultation Paper on the Code of Practice for Info-communication Facilities in Buildings (COPIF).
The COPIF ensures that developers and/or owners of buildings and developments provide adequate space and facilities for the deployment and operation of equipment used for providing info-communication services to the buildings. The Code also specifies the duties to be observed by developers, building/development owners and telecommunication licensees in relation to the provision, maintenance and utilisation of the relevant space and facilities provided, as directed under the COPIF.
Consultation Objective
IMDA’s Consultation Paper invites views on proposed changes to the COPIF, which was last reviewed in 2013.
These changes are partly intended to reflect recent legislative amendments to the Telecommunications Act (TA), and to address trends such as growing expectations of consumers and businesses for more reliable and better-quality telecommunications service standards.
For example, IMDA proposes to require building owners to provide rooftop space for mobile installations, arising from the amendments to the TA. IMDA also separately proposes to revise the operational details related to access to space and facilities within buildings for the installation of telecommunications equipment. These proposed requirements aim to ensure that mobile equipment is deployed in locations that will optimise coverage to a development and surrounding areas.
Other proposed changes aim to help address the increasing use of smart devices and applications in homes, by improving connectivity so that more devices and appliances can take full advantage of faster Internet speeds. For example, IMDA is proposing to require developers and owners of residential buildings to provide an additional Fibre Termination Point for each home and additional RJ45 or Ethernet outlets in the kitchen, main entrance and bedroom.
In addition, to enhance preparedness for outages or emergency situations, IMDA is proposing to require that pre-determined emergency access procedures between building owners/managers and telecommunications licensees are put in place.
The key changes are summarised in the table below:
| Proposed changes to COPIF | Current COPIF (2013) | What it means for building developers and owners if the changes are adopted |
|---|---|---|
| Designation of building rooftops as the preferred Mobile Deployment Space (MDS) | No preferred designated MDS | Building developers and owners must provide the rooftop space if requested by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), unless space is unavailable |
| Location of the MDS for installation of telecom equipment | Building owner decides on the location of the MDS | MNOs decide on the location of the MDS, in consultation with building developers and owners |
| Wider scope of the MDS to allow for “Springboarding” | The MDS is used primarily to serve the development itself | The MDS may be used to provide mobile coverage beyond the development |
| Inclusion of pre-determined emergency access procedures | No specified requirement | For buildings manned by security guards on a 24x7 basis, telecommunications operators are granted access within two hours of providing notice |
| Requirement of additional wiring or infrastructure to be installed for developments | Developers and owners of residential buildings are required to pre-install one Fibre Termination Point (TP) in each home and at least 1 RJ45 outlet in each bedroom and 2 RJ45 outlets in each living room | Developers and owners of residential buildings will be required to provide an additional Fibre TP (i.e., two Fibre TPs) for each home and additional RJ45 outlets in the kitchen, main entrance and bedroom(s) |
The public consultation will begin today, 26 April 2017, and will close on 24 May 2017. Further details, including the Consultation Document, are available online at this link: Public Consultation on the Review of the COPIF.
ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will develop a vibrant, world-class infocomm media sector that drives the economy, connects people, bonds communities and powers Singapore's Smart Nation vision. IMDA does this by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICT and media infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment. IMDA also enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Michelle LEE (Ms)
Assistant Manager, Communications & Marketing, IMDA
DID: (65) 6202 4410
Email: michelle_lee@imda.gov.sg
Winston CHAI (Mr)
Deputy Director, Communications & Marketing, IMDA
DID: (65) 6202 4407
Email: winston_chai@imda.gov.sg
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