Singtel, M1-StarHub tie-up, and TPG provisionally awarded 2.1 GHz spectrum rights for 5G networks
SINGTEL and an M1-StarHub consortium have each been provisionally awarded 25 megahertz (MHz) of the 2.1 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum, the maximum allowed under Singapore's latest auction to make available more spectrum to support the deployment of 5G networks. This comes in 5 lots of 5MHz paired spectrum.
Australian network TPG Telecom has been provisionally awarded 10MHz of the spectrum (2 lots of 5MHz paired spectrum).
This means mobile users here will have a choice of 3 5G standalone networks, if operators fulfil deployment conditions.
The latest 2.1 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum rights auction is in addition to the first tranche of 3.5 GHz spectrum issued in June last year, for the deployment of nationwide 5G networks.
Winning bidders will have rights to the 2.1 GHz spectrum for deployment of 5G network and services from Jan 1, 2022, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said in its announcement of the bidding results on Friday (Nov 26).
Singtel and the M1-StarHub consortium may use the new spectrum to enhance the coverage and capacity of their existing 5G networks deployed with the first tranche of spectrum issued in 2020.
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Both players are on track to establish 2 nationwide networks with full-fledged 5G standalone capabilities with at least 50 per cent coverage by end-2022, and nationwide coverage by end-2025, IMDA said.
TPG, which missed out on bagging the 2 nationwide 5G licences that were up for grabs last year, will be required to deploy a new 5G network in the same manner and timeframe as Singtel and the M1-StarHub consortium.
TPG must also roll out a 5G standalone network with at least 50 per cent coverage within 2 years and nationwide coverage within 5 years, from Jan 1, 2022. It must also ensure that its network will be secure and resilient, IMDA said.
Anna Yip, chief executive of Singtel's consumer business, said her company is "extremely pleased" with the award, which will accelerate the rollout of its 5G network and strengthen its 5G leadership.
An M1 spokesperson said the addition of the 2.1GHz spectrum band to its 5G portfolio boosts the network's wide-area coverage for 5G in Singapore, while enabling the flexibility for its 3G services to continue.
Starhub said in a statement that the additional spectrum lots are "especially important for (the company) to provide excellent indoor 5G coverage for customers" .
Network superiority is the backbone of the company's five-year strategic transformation and growth programme, said its chief technology officer Chong Siew Loong.
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