Regulators have been slowly levelling the telco playing field since 2019 as they welcome more consolidations, partnerships and JVs. This way, telcos can keep a low capex, low-cost base and improve their industry economics. This, in turn, has led to a more conducive investment landscape within the industry although this sort of collaboration and consolidation is likely to vary from country to country.
The telecommunications industry has always been a competitive one. Yet, in the past two years, there have been several consolidations, collaborations and joint ventures in the sector which has been seen in many markets including Singapore.
Ranjan Sharma, Asean TMT analyst for JP Morgan Securities Singapore, explains regulators of the telco playing field take into account three mandates: Affordability of service, availability of service and quality of service.
