Singtel, Starhub-M1,TPG get go-ahead to operate 5G

The three firms have appointed tech partners for various 5G developments and trials.

Singtel, Starhub-M1 and TPG have been given a go-ahead from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), separate press releases revealed. Singtel and Starhub-M1 can now operate 5G networks nationwide, whilst TPG acquired 5G millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum rights in both 26GHz and 28GHz bands.

Nokia is now the 5G tech partner of StarHub-M1 for the 5G radio access network, as well as the preferred technology supplier for StarHub's 5G core and mmWave networks. StarHub-M1 is exploring other network elements with vendors, including Nokia, Huawei, and ZTE.

Meanwhile, Singtel today was awarded the 3.5GHz and the (mmWave) spectrum and will build on the momentum created from ongoing 5G trials in the fields of port operations, manufacturing and cloud gaming to offer the most transformative services and solutions to support Singapore’s digital economy.

The telco has also selected Ericsson to start a period of negotiation to provide the 5G SA Core, RAN and mmWave network, with a view to finalising the contractual terms as soon as practicable.

Singtel has been test-bedding new consumer and enterprise 5G solutions through various trials with key technology vendors and public service agencies, which includes working with the PSA on developing port-related 5G use cases, such as drones and crane automation at the Pasir Panjang Terminal; exploring how 5G can enable Industry 4.0 manufacturing technologies at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre; and testing network readiness for 5G cloud gaming with IMDA and Razer.

They also launched 5G Garage together with Ericsson and Singapore Polytechnic, a live facility where enterprises can develop and test 5G solutions. In the same vein, Singtel’s Centre of Digital Excellence helps enterprise customers realise the value and speed up the adoption of 5G in their digital transformation journeys.

Singtel also announced that it will unveil its unmanned 24/7 pop-up retail store UNBOXED, which has been outfitted with live 5G connectivity. Launching in late July, customers may try out applications such as cloud gaming, 360⁰ immersive entertainment, augmented reality education, as well as checking out the latest 5G mobile devices.

Lastly, TPG is leveraging the extensive OpenRAN vendor community along with Huawei’s advanced network equipment for the optimal implementation of novel 5G services in Singapore. They claim that their existing is extensive and easily upgradeable, allowing for close tracking to the new 3GPP 5G standards as they evolve.