Singapore's Infocomm Media Authority (IMDA) recently announced the results of its 2.1 GHz spectrum auction to make available more spectrum to support the growth of 5G mobile services.
This spectrum is in addition to the first tranche of 3.5 GHz spectrum issued in June 2020 for the deployment of 5G nationwide networks. The successful bidders were Singtel Mobile, a consortium comprising M1 and StarHub (M1-StarHub Consortium), and TPG Telecom (TPG).
Singtel Mobile and the M1-StarHub Consortium may use the new spectrum to enhance the coverage and capacity of their existing 5G Standalone (SA) networks deployed with the first tranche of spectrum issued by IMDA in 2020. Both Singtel and M1-StarHub consortium are on track to establish two nationwide networks with full-fledged 5G SA capabilities with at least 50% coverage by end-2022, and nationwide coverage by end-2025.
TPG will be required to deploy a new 5G network in the same manner and time frame as Singtel Mobile and the M1-StarHub Consortium’s deployment conditions. TPG must roll out a 5G SA network with at least 50% coverage within two years, and nationwide 5G SA coverage within five years, from the commencement of its 2.1 GHz spectrum rights. TPG will also be required to ensure that its network will be secure and resilient. Winning bidders will have rights to the 2.1 GHz spectrum for deployment of 5G network and services from 1 January 2022.
