In line with the announcement on the launch of its public consultation on the appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies for 5G, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) shared its vision for Singapore to be a global 5G front-runner with a standalone 5G network.
In a press statement, IMDA outlined an approach that it said would advance innovation in secure 5G applications and services that Singapore can potentially export to the rest of the world.
The approach to Singapore’s 5G deployment as provided by IMDA will achieve the four policy objectives:
- Maximise value of 5G for economy & welfare for consumers;
- Facilitate efficient allocation of scarce spectrum resource;
- Design trusted and resilient 5G networks; and
- Support the growth of a vibrant telecom sector.
Strategies have been set out to facilitate this vision for Singapore’s 5G ecosystem. They are:
- 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.
Last week, on May 7, IMDA launched a public consultation to seek views from the industry and public on the appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies for 5G. The feedback is to assist the agency in facilitating 5G network rollout by 2020, as well as identify innovative 5G applications and services for Singapore.
With the deployment of 5G networks in Singapore, IMDA hoped to maximise benefits of 5G technology for enterprises and consumers and facilitate efficient allocation of scarce resources such as spectrum. It will also to ensure that 5G networks are designed to be trusted and resilient, and be able to support the growth of a vibrant telecommunication sector.