Guidelines for Singapore 3G virtual operators unveiled
SINGAPORE--In a statement last Friday, the regulator said MVNO refers to a mobile phone service provider that does not possess its own frequency spectrum, but relies on an existing mobile network operator (MNO) to offertelecommunications services to customers.
IDA also released an industry consultation paper titled "Proposed Regulatory Approach for 3G Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)".
Some of the issues raised in it includes the possible types of 3G services a MVNO might offer, the framework which MNOs should use to charge MVNOs for network access, and when a MVNO should be allowed to enter the 3G market.
"IDA's proposed approach for MVNOs stems from its aim to develop healthy competition while encouraging investment in 3G networks and services," IDA said in the statement. "The intention is to balance the need for and extent of regulatory intervention vis-à-vis relying on commercial negotiations to drive MVNO agreements wherever possible, within the context of the Telecom Competition Code."
All feedback should be submitted in writing to IDA on or before noon on May 31.
Earlier this month, the government said it has cancelled its 3G mobile license auction, which was slated for April 23.
According to the IDA, the three bidders--MobileOne (Asia) Pte Ltd, Singapore Telecom Mobile Pte Ltd and StarHub Mobile Pte Ltd--have chosen different blocks of spectrum.
M1, SingTel and StarHub will each get a license at S$100 million.