Airwaves for 3G mobile services in Singapore will be auctioned off as part of a proposal by the industry’s regulator to improve 5G services. The services are currently constrained by a lack of airwaves for nation-wide coverage. The auction is timed to coincide with the expiration of rights to the 2.1 GHz frequency band, which is currently used for 3G services. Because of its propagation characteristics, the 2.1 GHz frequency band is ideal for 5G wide-area coverage. Furthermore, because existing equipment in these places can be reused for 5G use, the 2.1 GHz spectrum will permit 5G coverage in buildings and underground.
Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel), StarHub Limited, M1 Limited and TGP Telecom Limited will be able to bid for the rights to the airwaves. Each of the 12 paired lots of airwaves offered is expected to cost between SGD10 million and SGD15 million. To allow 3G services to continue in Singapore, some of the 2.1 GHz radio bands will be set aside.