IMDA consults on policy and regulatory framework for 5G rollout in Singapore

29 May 2019

From 7 May 2019 to 19 June 2019, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) is conducting a public consultation to seek views from the industry and public on the appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies for 5G. To achieve its key policy objectives for the deployment of a 5G network in Singapore, IMDA proposes the following strategies:

  • Facilitate early deployment of 5G from 2020 based on standalone network specifications and architecture; 
  • Facilitate sustainable competition with at least two nationwide 5G networks at the outset while encouraging network sharing; 
  • Ensure 5G networks are designed to be resilient and trusted at the outset; and 
  • Provide regulatory flexibility to allow the mobile market to grow and adapt to technology changes.

To support the strategies, one key proposal is to allocate the 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz and 28 GHz millimetre wave (“mmWave”) bands for 5G in the initial tranche of spectrum allocation to mobile network operators (“MNOs”) who are interested to deploy 5G technology. IMDA intends to assign the 5G spectrum through a Call for Proposal regulatory process which requires interested MNOs to submit detailed proposals on their nationwide 5G deployment plans. IMDA plans to free up spectrum in the 3.4 - 3.6 GHz band for 5G by 2021 and may open up other spectrum bands progressively, potentially around 2025, when the global ecosystem is more ready for cost-efficient deployment. IMDA proposes a spectrum right duration of 12 to 15 years to provide sufficient investment certainty, while catering for technological changes and new 5G spectrum bands. The spectrum rights for the 3.5 GHz and mmWave spectrum will expire at the same time.

Besides facilitating the deployment of 5G networks, IMDA will nurture a vibrant 5G ecosystem through industry partnerships.

Key areas of consultation

In this public consultation, IMDA is seeking feedback on key areas such as:

  • The approach to allocate spectrum to MNOs to support the deployment of at least two nationwide 5G networks at the outset; 
  • The baseline regulatory requirements on MNOs which are allocated the spectrum; and
  • Building the broader 5G ecosystem through innovative 5G use-cases, skills and manpower development and other areas of Government support to drive innovation and development.

Reference materials

The following materials are available on the IMDA website www.imda.gov.sg:

 

Download PDF