Total bids from spectrum auction reach $1.14b

A total of 175MHz was allocated to four winning bids.

The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) concluded the first stage of the General Spectrum Auction.

A total of 175MHz of spectrum in the 700MHz, 900MHz, and 2.5GHz spectrum bands, including spectrum to be re-farmed from the provision of 2G services, was made available for allocation in the GSA for the provision of high-speed mobile broadband services using technologies like 4G.

Singtel bid the highest at $563.7m, and was provisionally awarded 75MHz. Meanwhile, StarHub bid $349.6m for 60MHz; M1 submitted a $208m bid for 30MHz; and the new kid on the block TPG bid the lowest at $23.8 for 10MHz.

The allocated spectrum will enable the industry to roll out or enhance their mobile networks to meet the increasing demand for mobile data services.

IMDA proceeded with the first stage of the GSA after receiving a total request for 225MHz of spectrum in February 2017 from M1, Singtel, StarHub, and TPG at the reserve prices set by IMDA. This was 50MHz in excess of the spectrum available for allocation.

IMDA chief executive Tan Kiat How said the strong interest in the radio spectrum is testament to the mobile network operators' confidence in the mobile market.

"Increasingly, high-speed mobile services will be critical in delivering the next generation suite of digital services and products to realise Singapore's digital future. Similar to past spectrum auction proceeds, IMDA plans to reinvest the monies received to help our infocomm media companies and workforce develop their capabilities, strengthen digital infrastructure, and readying themselves for the digital economy,” he said.

The winning bidders can commence the use of the spectrum to enhance their networks as early as 1 July.

The next stage of the GSA will determine the specific spectrum bands to be allocated to the
winning bidders.