5G licence

In the long run, however, it is likely that 5G connectivity will prove to be the crucial decider of the telco battle royale.

Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran said the government never excluded any company from being vendors for the nationwide rollout of high-speed 5G technology, and is satisfied with the outcome of its telecom operators’ selection.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has granted Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel), M1 Limited, and StarHub Ltd the final 5G network license award on Wednesday, following the completion of the required regulatory processes.

For one of the most digitised countries in the world, the wait is soon over. Singapore is now on track to roll out the 5G network as soon as this coming January with country-wide coverage by 2025.

While the 5G wins may introduce revenue for the telcos in FY2021, investors may need to brace for lower-than-expected dividends due to increased capital expenditures (capex) in order to roll out the licences and maintain the networks.

StarHub and M1 confirm they will be making a joint bid for a 5G licence.

(June 6): China approved four operating licenses for 5G networks, setting the stage for the super-fast telecommunications system amid simmering tensions with the US over technology and trade.