IMDA supports interim deployment of partial 5G capabilities
Sharanya Pillai
Singapore
THE Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) supports the plans of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to deploy 5G networks that ride on existing 4G infrastructure, otherwise known as 5G non-standalone (NSA) networks.
This move will allow trials for consumers to enjoy partial 5G experiences in the near-term, ahead of the nationwide rollout of 5G standalone (SA) networks by 2025. The key benefit will be faster mobile speeds, IMDA said in a press release issued on Monday.
Singapore is on track to deploy two nationwide 5G SA networks by 2025, and by end-2022, 5G SA capabilities will cover at least half of Singapore.
MNOs have indicated an interest in using NSA networks in the interim, as a "short-term and transitory arrangement", IMDA said.
MNOs that receive IMDA's approval will be allowed to conduct market trials and offer some early commercial 5G services to consumers.
In the meantime, IMDA will also work with MNOs to develop a regulatory framework, to ensure a smooth transition from NSA to the eventual SA networks.
"We welcome and are supportive of our operators' interest to make incremental investment in the meantime and leverage 5G NSA technology to offer their customers some early 5G benefits such as faster mobile broadband experience while they build their SA network," said IMDA chief executive Lew Chuen Hong.
He added: "These 5G NSA capabilities will also enable them to work with the industry to develop early innovative business use cases to meet early demand."
Once fully rolled out, Singapore's 5G SA networks are expected to support use cases including remote surgery, autonomous vehicles, and cloud gaming.
In a separate news release on Monday, StarHub said it will be the first telco in Singapore to offer 5G services for its customers from Tuesday.
Those with the new Mobile+ or Biz+ mobile plans can automatically experience some of the early 5G benefits using compatible mobile devices, StarHub said. This trial access to StarHub 5G is free for customers in the lead up to the full commercial launch of 5G standalone services in 2021.
