JAKARTA, Indonesia-The slow development of third-generation (3G) services around the world has influenced mobile operators in Singapore to re-think the urgency of launching 3G services in the city state.
In contrast to the recent decision of SingTel Mobile, which delayed the 3G equipment tender award due to a lack of applications, MobileOne (M1), which was awarded a Singapore 3G license in April 2001, has just made the country’s first live 3G packet data call using commercial 3G infrastructure. It marked a significant phase of the rollout program for the W-CDMA network that M1 started about a year ago.
M1’s W-CDMA network is expected to be fully completed and ready for services in the second half of next year. Factors such as the availability of 3G handsets will influence the exact launch date.
According to the country’s regulator, Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), the deadline for 3G rollout is still set for 31 December, 2004, although some industry players have suggested the agency delay or remove the deadline considering the worldwide delay in implementing 3G networks.
The country’s third mobile operator and 3G license holder, StarHub, declined comment on its 3G plans.
Previously, IDA refused industry views and comments on the possibility of 3G infrastructure sharing in Singapore.
