M1 sees small cell networks as alternative to costly spectrum

Telco says it's leader in deploying devices in crowded environments to supplement mobile network signals

Published Wed, Apr 12, 2017 · 09:50 PM

Singapore

M1 is banking on smart utilisation of its existing spectrum and new technology, like "small cell" networks - which are already being deployed in public spaces like MRT stations - to provide the best possible quality of service to its customers.

Last week's telecommunication spectrum auction surprised the market by becoming the most expensive such auction in history for Singapore. M1, and the other three telcos, Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel), StarHub, and Australian company TPG Telecom, which will start services by September next year, collectively committed to paying S$1.14 billion for the 175 MHz (megahertz) of spectrum that was on offer. During the last major spectrum auction exercise in 2013, the regulator raised a total of S$360 million for the 4G auction.