I S A Satellite Communications Pte Ltd ("ISATELLITE") is today charged for selling pre-paid cards to provide International Simple Resale (ISR)1 services without a valid licence between October 2000 and 11 March 2001. The charge was brought by Drew & Napier LLC, on behalf of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)...
Singapore, 5 October 2001 | For Immediate Release
I S A Satellite Communications Pte Ltd ("ISATELLITE") is today charged for selling pre-paid cards to provide International Simple Resale (ISR)1 services without a valid licence between October 2000 and 11 March 2001. The charge was brought by Drew & Napier LLC, on behalf of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) against ISATELLITE for the provision of ISR services without a Services-Based Operator (SBO) licence. This is an offence under section 33(1) of the Telecommunications Act (Cap. 323)2.
ISATELLITE was issued a provisional SBO licence on 12 March 2001 to provide ISR services. The licence conditions state that ISATELLITE is required to submit a Banker's Guarantee (BG) of S$100,000 to IDA if it intends to collect pre-paid card payments from its customers. However, ISATELLITE did not submit the BG despite official reminders from IDA and proceeded to offer services. ISATELLITE has therefore deemed to have breached IDA's licence conditions and IDA terminated ISATELLITE's licence on 11 June 2001. Upon investigation into the breach of licence conditions, IDA discovered that ISATELLITE had started to issue pre-paid cards in Singapore in October 2000 prior to applying for a licence from IDA. IDA then initiated action to prosecute ISATELLITE.
IDA was informed that ISATELLITE discontinued service provision on 7 April 2001, before IDA terminated its licence. Consumers with pre-paid cards of ISATELLITE can seek refunds from the company, or make claims at the Small Claims Tribunal.
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Notes to Editor:
International Simple Resale refers to an alternative International Direct Dial (IDD) service provided by a licensed operator to customers using the international transmission facilities usually owned by Facilities-Based Operators.
More information on Telecommunications Act can be found on the IDA website (www.imda.gov.sg) under "Policies & Regulation" / "Acts & Regulations".
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, please visit www.imda.gov.sg.
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms Jennifer Toh
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communication
Tel: (65) 211-0508
Fax: (65) 211-2227
Email: jennifer_toh@imda.gov.sg
Ms Dulcie Chan
Senior Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 211-1999
Fax: +65 211-2227
Email: dulcie_chan@imda.gov.sg
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