IMDA issues show cause notice to Simba over spectrum misuse

[SINGAPORE] Simba’s parent Tuas Limited announced that the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) has issued a Notice to Show Cause over its misuse of telecommunications spectrum on Monday (Oct 26).

The notice was sent to Tuas on Friday, said the telco, and confirms that IMDA has not reached a conclusion on whether action should be taken against Simba.

Simba has been requested to respond to the following allegations:

• That Simba deployed dynamic spectrum sharing to about 133 sites for intermittent periods between 2022 and 2023 to allow 2,100 megahertz (MHz) band spectrum for 4G and 5G coverage when the telco was only authorised to use the spectrum band for 5G.
• That the 2,340-2,360 MHz band was used at about 92 sites for intermittent periods between 2023 and 2026 when Simba did not have authorisation to do so.
• That the deployment of dynamic spectrum sharing on the 2,100 MHz band and use of 2,340-2,360 MHz spectrum was intentional and approved by Simba’s senior management.
• That Simba deployed 5G indoor radio access network equipment at two locations in 2023 prior to IMDA’s authorisation until Nov 14, 2023.
• That Simba did not comply fully with IMDA’s production order and the failure to produce documents was deliberate and intentional.
• That IMDA has concerns over deficiencies in Simba’s governance and compliance culture which the regulator considers should require further regulatory obligations in the telco’s licence to address.

IMDA has identified a number of regulatory actions, and has asked Simba to make representation on whether these actions should not be taken.

These actions include suspending or cancelling the grant of spectrum right, reducing Simba’s licence period, and a fine of either 10 per cent of Simba’s annual turnover or S$1 million, whichever is higher. IMDA is also considering intervening and imposing regulatory obligations to address governance deficiencies and prevent similar conduct from recurring.

Simba said that it intends to respond to the show cause notice, which has a deadline of Nov 16.

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“As the matter remains under consideration by the regulator and no findings have been made or confirmed, Tuas does not intend to provide further comment on the matters raised in this announcement,” said the telco.