M1 to deploy small networks as mobile revenues continue to slip

Small cell and WiFi HetNet are alternatives to costly spectrum.

Singapore telco M1 is focussing on new areas and eyeing alternatives to keep up with its peers in the competitive sector.

For starters, although it did not secure the 2.5GHz spectrum in the recently concluded General Spectrum Auction, M1 sees small cell and WiFi HetNet deployment as an alternative to costly spectrum in delivering data experience.

According to DBS Vickers Securities, the deployment of such small networks in targeted locations would be done progressively.

Meanwhile, the brokerage firm also noted that M1 already expressed its intentions to drive growth in the Government and Corporate segments, by offering cloud-based service offerings.

To recall, M1's net profit were down 14.6% YoY for the first quarter of the year. Its mobile revenues continued its downhill slide, with postpaid and prepaid average revenue per user dipping 2.3% and 4.5%, respectively.