IMDA Proposes changes to ready new Buildings for new Technology Deployment

Issues Second Public Consultation on The Code of Practice for Info-Communication Facilities in Buildings

Background

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) today published a second 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. 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 required under COPIF.

Objective of Second Consultation

The current COPIF review arose following the legislative amendments to the Telecommunications Act, which came into effect in February 2017. IMDA’s second Consultation Paper under the current review process presents the revised draft COPIF, incorporating changes proposed in the first round of consultation that commenced on 26 April 2017, and proposes some new changes to the Code. 

Key Proposals in First Consultation

The changes proposed in the first consultation relate to the following key areas:

Facilitate faster mobile network deployment

• Designation of building rooftops as preferred Mobile Deployment Space (MDS) with no rental charges
• Determination of MDS location for the installation of telecommunication equipment
• Widening of the scope of the MDS to include the provision of mobile coverage to surrounding areas

Enhance high-speed broadband connectivity to homes

• Requirement of 4-core optical fibre with an additional Fibre Termination Point for each home and additional RJ45 or Ethernet outlets in the kitchen, main entrance and bedroom to be provided by developers or owners for new residential buildings

Facilitate faster fibre network deployment to business users

• Deployment of 2-way air-blown fibre microducts for new non-residential buildings, amongst other deployment options

Facilitate greater service resilience

• Inclusion of pre-determined emergency access procedures to expedite access to telecommunication infrastructure during service outages for speedier restoration
• Requirement on buildings hosting vital services on their premises (e.g., hospitals) to provide facilities to cater for service diversity and resilience

The above changes were proposed with the aim of ensuring that buildings are ready for the adoption of new technology, and at the same time enhance resilience and diversity¹.

Feedback from the industry and public was generally supportive of the proposed changes, as they will better cater to consumers’ and businesses’ growing expectations for more reliable and better-quality telecommunication services.

IMDA thus intends to implement these key proposals through revisions to the COPIF. For instance, the proposed COPIF revisions sets out the proposed layout within homes of new residential buildings and within common facilities of non-residential buildings to facilitate the deployment of the new sets of infrastructure:

Within Homes of New Residential Buildings

Diagram: Proposed Fibre Termination Points within the riser and 4-core optical fibres
in new residential buildings

Diagram: Proposed new Fibre Termination Point (TP) and RJ45 outlets within homes
in new residential buildings

Within Common Facilities of New Non-Residential Buildings

Diagram: Proposed 2-way air-blown fibre microducts within new non-residential buildings

The revised COPIF also proposes enhanced diversity and resilience requirements for buildings with vital services hosted on their premises (e.g. hospitals), such as the provision of two (2) or more sets of lead-in pipes connecting to different MDF rooms. It also proposes that for buildings provided with security guards on a 24x7 basis, telecommunication licensees should be able to gain access at short notice.

Key Proposals in Second Consultation

In the second consultation, IMDA is consulting on some new changes to the COPIF. This includes changes to the HFC requirements which take into consideration StarHub’s announcement that it will be ceasing further rollout of its HFC network to new residential buildings that obtain Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) status after 30 April 2018.

Among other things, IMDA is seeking feedback on proposed modifications to the COPIF to enable residential units to continue using co-axial cabling for the distribution of Free-To-Air Digital TV signals within homes. This means that homes with multiple TV sets will only need to use one indoor antenna to access Digital TV.

Diagram: Proposed re-configuration of in-home co-axial cabling for new residential buildings

The public consultation will begin today, 20 April 2018, and will close on 17 May 2018. Further details, including the second Consultation Document, are available online at: https://www.imda.gov.sg/regulations-licensing-and-consultations/consultations/open-for-public-comments.

¹Diversity refers to an additional set of infrastructure to be provided to buildings housing vital services.

ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and 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:

Angie LOW (Ms)
Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing, IMDA
Email: angie_low@imda.gov.sg