Singapore has outlined the framework for its upcoming multi-band spectrum auction, setting a starting bid price of S$35m (US$24.92m) for a potential new entrant to the local mobile market. The Infocomm Development Authority said there has been “strong interest” from potential new entrants to participate in the auction of a total 235 MHz of airwaves.
Singapore has outlined the framework for its upcoming multi-band spectrum auction, setting a starting bid price of S$35m (US$24.92m) for a potential new entrant to the local mobile market.
The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) announced today that it aims to auction a total 235 MHz of 4G-suitable spectrum this year.
Of this, 60 MHz in the 900 MHz and 2.3 GHz bands has been set aside for a potential new mobile network operator.
The process for the reserved new entrant spectrum will be followed by one open to any new entrant and existing players SingTel Mobile, StarHub Mobile and M1. The second stage of the process will include airwaves in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 2.3 GH and 2.5 GHz bands.
If the reserved spectrum is not sold in the first stage, it will be auctioned in the second.
Announcing plans for the auction last July, the IDA said the estimated reserve price for the 700 MHz and 900 MHz bands was S$20m per 5 MHz pair, while the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands were priced at S$5m per 5 MHz block.
The IDA said there has been “strong interest” from potential new entrants, which must pass a pre-qualification process to participate in the auction.
The authority said it aims to facilitate the entry of a new mobile network operator, which will be required to achieve nationwide outdoor coverage by October 2018, while ensuring there is sufficient spectrum for existing players to provide quality services.
IDA managing director Jacqueline Poh said: “Pervasive connectivity is a key enabler for our Smart Nation vision. This release of spectrum is timely as it will allow all mobile operators to roll out or enhance their high-speed networks as early as 2017.”
