By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: No surprises as Singtel, StarHub-M1 alliance win nationwide 5G licences in Singapore
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Mobile > No surprises as Singtel, StarHub-M1 alliance win nationwide 5G licences in Singapore
MobileTelecom

No surprises as Singtel, StarHub-M1 alliance win nationwide 5G licences in Singapore

Alfred Siew
Last updated: August 13, 2020 at 6:35 PM
Alfred Siew Published April 30, 2020
4 Min Read
SHARE
Source: Wilson Wong for Techgoondu

To little surprise, Singtel and a StarHub-M1 alliance yesterday won a bid to build Singapore’s two nationwide 5G networks that promise to connect up millions of smart devices such as autonomous cars in the years ahead.

TPG Telecom, the smallest and newest telecom operator in the country, had thrown in a bid for the next-generation network as well, but it was snubbed by the government regulator.

Awarding the licences to the largest players here, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said other operators, such as TPG and existing virtual players, could offer 5G by leasing the networks from the licence holders.

These telcos will have to provide coverage for at least half of Singapore by end-2022, scaling up to nationwide coverage by end-2025, the regulator added in a media release yesterday.

Singapore’s version of 5G is taking longer than others elsewhere, such as the first networks in the United States, because it does not ride on existing 4G networks and requires a more comprehensive setup.

This so-called “standalone” 5G version, says the IMDA, will bring not just faster speeds but also lower latency, which means less lag for new uses such as remote surgery or autonomous cars.

With their nationwide licences, Singtel and the StarHub-M1 joint venture will each get a 100MHz chunk of the airwaves, specifically in the 3.5GHz spectrum.

For that, however, they would have to each cough out S$55 million to the government to use the airwaves, which are a scarce resource.

That won’t be chump change at a time when the world is faced with unprecedented upheaval caused by the novel coronavirus.

Before this, telcos in the country had already been feeling the heat from the intense competition brought on by the entrance of TPG Telecom and virtual operators such as Circles.Life.

By losing out this time, TPG Telecom wouldn’t have lost the game altogether. For sure, it can’t have its own network but if 5G wholesale agreements are highly regulated like for fibre broadband, it can still make a play for low-cost offerings by being a virtual 5G operator.

What might drag it down is the cost of its existing 4G network. You suspect its 4G services would have to be priced lower than 5G offerings when they come online in the years ahead.

And there’s not much margin to play with. Already, TPG’s current S$10-a-month 4G service doesn’t look like a lucrative offering that could help it recoup its investment quickly.

That said, TPG would also be less hampered by the cost and effort of setting up a new 5G network mere months after its 4G services went commercial.

Plus, it should still have several years to compete on 4G before 5G becomes a commonly available offering.

With a steep recession expected this year, it’s unlikely the winners yesterday will be so gungho to splash out the cash and start building immediately.

Indeed, the trio of Singtel, StarHub and M1 could well be thankful that the deadline for 5G rollout is rather kind.

Half of Singapore covered with 5G signals by end-2022? Full coverage by 2025? There’s room to wriggle for all concerned, which will be much appreciated in today’s climate.

You Might Also Like

Debate on computational photography misses what’s real, what’s lived outside a frame

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: Impressive flagship design, performance

Hands on: Oppo Find N2 Flip looks promising for those seeking foldable phones

Q&A: Delivering movies digitally and securely from around the world

In remote Taiwan, firefighters use a 5G base station “in a box” when responding to emergencies

TAGGED: 5G, 5G licence, M1, Singapore, SingTel, StarHub

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Alfred Siew April 30, 2020
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
Avatar photo
By Alfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article Google Meet to be free for everyone from early May 2020
Next Article Digital trade highlights need for good connectivity during pandemic, say experts
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

Sony Playstation VR2 review: An immersive experience awaits
Gaming March 21, 2023
Debate on computational photography misses what’s real, what’s lived outside a frame
Cellphones Imaging Mobile Software March 19, 2023
Get the best Mac-friendly monitors for colour-perfect design work
PC March 16, 2023
LG OLED Flex LX3 review: A bendable gaming monitor for the adventurous (and rich)
Audio-visual Gaming PC March 13, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US

© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact

Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?