8Telecom unit set to revolutionise use of LTE networks
Singapore
MAINBOARD-LISTED 8Telecom is on the cusp of a breakthrough, thanks to 51 per cent subsidiary Arete M.
The latter - a homegrown infocomm services company founded by telecommunications veteran Tang Pen San - is said to be developing a technology that can revolutionise the use of dedicated LTE (long-term evolution) networks for industrial applications, notably unmanned systems and robotics.
Dr Tang said that Arete M could be among the first in the world to utilise the 1.79GHz-1.80GHz frequency spectrum as a single network operator to serve multiple user groups that require their own core network.
For each user group, Arete M will build a dedicated, enterprise-grade, private LTE network to deliver mission-critical communication services. This can cater to a range of industries, including public transportation, public safety, security and surveillance.
The 1.79GHz-1.80GHz spectrum has traditionally been used as a guard band for telco networks, an unused part of the radio spectrum to separate two adjacent frequency channels so as to ensure that the two can transmit simultaneously without interference.
Dr Tang told The Business Times: "This spectrum has been a waste of resource around the world today. But thanks to Arete M's innovation, we are able to control and manage the deployment of this spectrum without interference to the mobile network."
He added that Arete M has conducted trials with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) to prove the absence of interference, and in April applied to the IDA for the use of the spectrum. The usage is for a year, and subject to yearly renewal.
BT has learnt that the IDA is reviewing Arete M's application, and that no other company has applied for this spectrum use. The approval process time varies across applications, and is dependent on the amount of information furnished by the applicant.
Dr Tang pointed out that should Arete M win the spectrum rights, it is primed to showcase the world's first commercial dedicated LTE network using the 1.79GHz-1.80GHz frequency spectrum - in line with (IoT) Internet of Things trends and Singapore's Smart Nation initiative.
"Once Singapore, with its high regulatory standards, has been successfully used as a reference for the roll-out of our technology, we will replicate this business model, which is very scalable and portable, in other countries where there is the same centre gap availability for utilisation."
According to him, these include advanced telecommunications markets in Europe, the United States and Asia that have redeployed LTE in place of the old GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technology on Band 3.
He noted that Arete M had secured a first-mover advantage through its technology and global networks, in that it has received expressions of interest from "several overseas time division-LTE operators and some major technology vendors".
Asked about a potential user of dedicated LTE network, he pointed to sea ports. Such a network, with a coverage of up to 20 kilometres, can enable real-time control of automated guided vehicles, CCTV monitoring and perimeter surveillance, and aerial mobile monitoring - within the port.
He added that Arete M was "working on the next phase of technology development", which is the establishment of a co-innovation platform with Nanyang Technology University, to allow global innovators to showcase and integrate their solutions into the dedicated LTE network.
Asked if Arete M would compete to be Singapore's fourth telco - the New Entrant Spectrum Auction is slated for the third quarter of this year, Dr Tang said: "There are currently no plans."
In the stock market, 8Telecom shares closed 5.16 per cent up at S$0.163 on Tuesday.
