SINGAPORE (Oct 21): Singapore is looking to increase the number of 5G networks to four, from the two previously planned, according to Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran.
Besides the two nationwide 5G networks previously announced, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will issue the right to operate two localised 5G networks. These networks can serve a smaller area and will be focused on niche business needs such as operating equipment in smart factories or ports.
The announcement comes after a two-month public consultation on 5G, which concluded in July. IMDA also called for interested telcos to submit detailed proposals on their deployment plans by January 2020, with the intention of assigning 5G airwaves to two winning submissions by June 2020.
Fifth-generation or 5G mobile-phone networks are said to be ultra-fast and have low latency and private networking capabilities. These features will allow the technology to connect everything from cars to industrial robots and offer new applications and services.
The Call For Proposal (CFP) for nationwide 5G network operators is different from the previous 4G spectrum auction. Telcos are assessed on their financial capability, network design and ability to hit 50% islandwide coverage by December 2022. Operators will also need to offer at least $55 million for the 3.5GHz band of spectrum to provide nationwide coverage, plus a $154,000 per year utilisation fee over 15 years for the spectrum.
Operators will also be given 26GHz and 28GHz millimetre wave spectrums without any licence fees, although an annual $1.232 million utilisation fee will apply over 16 years. Meanwhile, the operators of the two localised 5G networks will be given the same millimetre wave spectrum with the same utilisation fees.
“As the next evolution in mobile communications, 5G will be the backbone of Singapore’s digital economy. With a trusted, secure and resilient 5G standalone infrastructure in place, we can invest in, and support the growth of, a thriving 5G innovation ecosystem that fuels innovation, creates more opportunities and maximises benefits for businesses and consumers. This will secure Singapore’s competitive edge, and enhance our appeal as a key trading and connectivity hub in the region and beyond,” says Iswaran in a statement.
Telcos express interest
As expected, telco operators have signalled their interest in participating in the CFP, and are looking to secure one of the two networks.
StarHub says it will “submit a comprehensive proposal for a resilient and secure 5G network design”. It says it is conducting trials and a proof of concept with its 5G ecosystem partners and a portion of its network is already 5G-ready to facilitate trials in the lead-up to eventual commercialisation.
StarHub says it is currently broadcasting “live” 5G signals from its headquarters and has identified areas at which to expand its initial 5G coverage. It also operates a 5G cellular-on-wheels vehicle, to showcase 5G benefits islandwide.
A Singapore Telecommunications spokesperson says, “We will be reviewing the CFP. Singtel has always been pushing next-generation technologies, having led partnership initiatives to establish the 5G Garage in Singapore, the first live 5G test facility, training centre and ideation lab, and launching 5G trials for the manufacturing and maritime sectors and in the area of cloud gaming.”
M1 says it is committed to working closely with the regulator and partners to deliver the potential of 5G technologies and add value to the digital economy. The telco adds that it has embarked on early 5G trials and partnerships.
“We will be responding to the 5G [CFP] by IMDA, and continue to support Singapore’s ambition to have a vibrant 5G ecosystem,” says an M1 spokesperson.
IMDA has also set aside $40 million for 5G research and innovations. The government agency will be supporting three 5G trials — two for enterprises and one for consumers.
Joint effort to trial 5G
Gaming company Razer and Singtel are collaborating in a 5G cloud gaming trial, which will test the high-speed and low-latency capabilities of 5G networks. This will test whether gamers are able to play high-quality and performance-demanding games on any device.
“We are excited to work with Singtel on trialling the network readiness of cloud gaming here in Singapore, with the support from IMDA,” says Min-Liang Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer. “While this is not the rollout of a commercial cloud gaming service, this opportunity is the first step for Singapore to spearhead 5G projects.”
Yuen Kuan Moon, Singtel’s CEO for Consumer Singapore, says, “5G is a literal game changer when it comes to cloud gaming. Latency and bandwidth are crucial to internet streaming and 5G will deliver next-generation connectivity that will support immersive gaming, even on mobile devices. We are thrilled to be taking a step further on our journey to 5G with Razer and IMDA and look forward to exploring 5G cloud gaming solutions together.”
“I am encouraged to see industry partners come together to develop innovative 5G services for businesses and consumers. IMDA invites more industry players to join us in developing a vibrant 5G ecosystem as part of Singapore’s Digital Economy,” says Tan Kiat How, CEO of IMDA.
CapitaLand is partnering NavInfo Datatech and TPG Telecom for a 5G smart estate trial site at Singapore Science Park. It will be Singapore’s largest 5G trial site and will be used to develop and test cellular vehicle-to-everything technologies for intelligent mobility solutions in a commercial space.
“With IMDA’s support and our partnership with NavInfo and TPG, we are delighted to be able to set up Singapore’s largest 5G smart estate trial site at Singapore Science Park. This reinforces Singapore Science Park’s position as a living lab for co-innovation and a catalyst for industry transformation, supporting Singapore’s drive towards the digital economy,” says Manohar Khiatani, senior executive director of CapitaLand Group, in a statement.
Tapping the same $40 million fund is port operator PSA International together with M1 and Singtel, which will use it to trial utilising 5G technologies for PSA International’s smart port operations. The trials are to test the use of driverless vehicles to move shipping containers round the clock, as well as remote control of port equipment such as cranes.
M1 and the Nanyang Technological University are also teaming up to deploy 5G technology at the university’s campus. The trial is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) and the National Research Foundation. This deployment will expand current NTU trials for cellular vehicle-to-everything on autonomous vehicles, traffic infrastructure and unmanned aircraft systems to utilise 5G.
M1 and hot pot chain Haidilao International Holding will also set up a trial 5G network for the latter’s new Marina Square outlet. This outlet will be equipped with self-developed smart machines such as the Intelligent Kitchen Management System, a customised automatic soup base machine, and food delivery robots. Huawei’s technology will be deployed for a 5G experience corner, which will allow diners to immerse themselves in an instructional, educational and interactive virtual and augmented reality e-gaming experience.
“M1 has been developing and leveraging our 5G capabilities to support real-life applications across a range of industries for quite some time now. This will be our first 5G application in the F&B and retail domain and we are excited to partner with one of Singapore’s favourite hot pot brands, Haidilao, to bring this smart experience to life,” says Willis Sim, M1’s chief corporate sales and solutions officer.
