From 1 April 1996, VAN (Value Added Network) operators can apply to the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS) for a licence to operate value-added data and store-and-forward messaging services. This is a result of TAS' ...
Singapore, 25 March 1996 | For Immediate Release
From 1 April 1996, VAN (Value Added Network) operators can apply to the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS) for a licence to operate value-added data and store-and-forward messaging services. This is a result of TAS' move to further liberalise VAN operations to enable VAN operators to provide a wider range of VAN services which include the value-added packet switched data services and value-added store-and-forward electronic messaging, facsimile, telex and voice-mail services.
There are currently two categories of VAN operators. The first category, known as Type A VAN operators provide store-and-retrieve services on their own. The second category of Type B VAN operators provide their own store-and-retrieve services as well as services of another VAN through VAN-to-VAN interconnection using leased lines. The second category of VAN was introduced since 1 July 1995 when TAS liberalised VAN-to-VAN interconnection and allowed VAN operators to choose their own communication protocols for speedy interconnection with other VANs. With the latest liberalisation of VANs, a VAN which provides value-added data and store-and-forward messaging services will be categorised as Type C VAN.
Under the Type C VAN licensing scheme, VAN operators can operate value-added packet switched data services by providing the value-added function of code and protocol conversion. They can also operate value-added store-and-forward messaging services by providing the users with additional value-added functions like deferred delivery, multi-addressing, content and/or format conversion and processing of control information. The annual licence fee for Type C VAN will be based on 1% of annual gross turnover for all approved Type C VAN services, subject to a minimum of S$10,000.
Type C VAN operators are required to establish a service node in Singapore. Those operators without a service node in Singapore may also provide Type C services through a local access node which is connected to the public switched telecommunication networks provided by the licensed public telecommunication operator. Type C VAN operators are not allowed to provide basic telecommunication services or Internet access services through their networks. Users' access to Internet must be via the three Internet access service providers licensed by TAS.
Application forms for Type C VAN licences are obtainable from the TAS Type Approval Centre, TAS Building, 35 Robinson Road, Singapore 068876. Interested applicants can also make enquiries at telephone numbers 322 1914/322 1856 or facsimile number 323 1481.
VANs are networks which provide the subscribers with additional functions to increase the value of the basic telecommunication services and infrastructure upon which they are built. Examples of VAN services are information retrieval services such as news and on-line financial data, information processing and despatch services such as electronic mail and computer reservation systems. There are currently 71 Type A VAN operators providing store-and -retrieve services in Singapore and they are divided into two types viz. third party access and third party traffic VANs. As the name suggests, third party access VANs allow subscribers to access their networks for services such as information retrieval (e.g. news and on-line financial data) or remote data processing. Third party traffic VANs allow subscribers to have value-added voice and data communications e.g. electronic mail and electronic data interchange with other subscribers via their network. Annual licence fees for the third party traffic VANs is S$ 200 and S$ 1,200 respectively.
.webp)