TPG Telecom plagued by installation challenges

It has to use NetLink NBN Trust to provide nonbuilding access points for $73.8/month.

TPG Telecom became the fourth mobile operator after it secured 20MHz of 900MHz and 40MHz of 2300MHz spectrum at a winning bid of $105m during the New Entrant Spectrum Auction conducted in December 2016.

However, UOB Kay Hian said the new telco still faces challenges on the ground.

According to a report, it has to secure roof-top space to install an estimated 3,000 base stations by end-20. It has to roll out its own common antenna systems (CAS) at commercial buildings, such as retail malls, office towers and industrial buildings.

Fortunately, TPG is able to utilise NetLink NBN Trust to provide nonbuilding access points (NBAPs) at a regulated price of $73.8/month for its backhaul transmission network.

UOB Kay Hian analyst Jonathan Koh said, "Our channel checks suggest that TPG’s network deployment has progressed smoothly. It is on track for the launch of commercial services and to meet requirements for nationwide coverage by December 18."

It secured another 10MHz of the 2500MHz spectrum at a cost of $23.8m during the General Spectrum Auction in Apr 2017.

TPG has already awarded contracts to key vendors and work is underway to roll out its radio network, data centres, and core & backhaul networks in Singapore.