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1.
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Where can I find information on telecommunication equipment registration?
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Information on equipment registration can be found in this link and in the 'Guide for Registration of Telecommunication Equipment'.
If you have further questions pertaining to equipment registration, please visit IDA’s TLS application system or download a set of consolidated FAQs.
The TLS application system allows you to do the following:
- Apply for IDA licences / equipment registration on-line;
- Make ePayment for licences, registrations and fines via Flexipay, debit card and credit card;
- Search for licences and registered equipment;
- Search for documents on Licensing and Equipment Registration Guidelines, the Telecommunications Act and Regulations etc.;
- Access more on-line functions (e.g. update of contact details, etc.) if you are a registered user of the TLS application system.
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1.
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a) What is the licensing regime adopted by IDA for companies that wish to provide telecommunication services in Singapore and
b) where can I find more information on IDA's licensing regime?
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a) All persons operating telecommunication systems and providing telecommunication services to third parties are required to apply for the relevant licences from IDA. IDA will not pre-determine the number of licences to be awarded, unless limited by the scarcity of resources such as spectrum. IDA will adopt a 2-pronged licensing approach and will differentiate between facilities-based and services-based type of operations:
Facilities-based operators are operators that intend to deploy any form of telecommunication infrastructure to offer telecommunication systems and/or services to telecommunication operators, businesses and/or consumers. Such operators are required to apply for a Facilities-Based Operator (FBO) licence.
Services-based operators are operators that lease telecommunication network elements (such as transmission capacity, switching services, fibre) from FBO licensees to provide telecommunication services to third parties or resell the telecommunication services of FBOs. Such operators are required to apply for a Services-Based Operator (SBO) Licence. SBOs can be either individually licensed or class-licensed.
b) Information on the type of licences that IDA issues and the relevant guidelines of these licences can be found here.
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1.
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What are the main differences between SBO (Class) and SBO (Individual) licences?
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Operators intending to lease telecommunication network elements, such as transmission capacity, switching services, ducts and fiber, from any Facilities-Based Operator (FBO) licensed by the IDA, to provide telecommunication services to third parties or resell the telecommunication services of FBO may apply for a Services-Based Operator (SBO) Licence.
The SBO Licences issued by IDA fall under two categories: the SBO (Individual) Licence category, where individual licensing is required for the stipulated types of operations and services; and the SBO (Class) Licence category, where interested parties will only be required to register with IDA before providing the stipulated types of services. In general, operators who lease international transmission capacity for the provision of their services are licensed individually.
The range of operations and services that requires individual licensing under the SBO (Individual) Licence category includes, but not limited to, the following:
- International Simple Resale (ISR)
- Resale of Leased Circuit Services
- Public Internet Access Services
- Internet Exchange Services
- Virtual Private Network Services
- Managed Data Network Services
- Store-and-Forward (S&F) Value-Added Network Services
- Mobile Virtual Network Operation
- Bandwidth Capacity Exchange Operation
- Backhaul Bandwidth Capacity Services
- Live Audiotex Services
- Prepaid Services for other telecommunication services
- Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) Services
- IP Telephony Services
- Voice and Data Services with Masking of Caller Line Identity
- Satellite Mobile Telephone or Data Services
- Mobile Communications on Aircraft
The range of operations and services that falls under the SBO (Class) Licence category includes, but not limited to, the following:
- Callback/Call Re-origination Services
- Internet-Based Voice and/or Data Services
- Resale of Public Switched Telecommunication Services
- Store-and-Retrieve (S&R) Value-Added Network Services
- International Calling Cards (ICC) Services
- Audiotex Services
- Public Chain Payphone Services
For more information, please refer to "Guidelines for submission of Application for Services-Based Operator Licence”.
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2.
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Where can I find a list of SBO operators providing prepaid services?
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3.
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What are the requirements for companies intending to offer prepaid services to customers?
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Companies intending to collect money deposits and/or use prepaid cards for collection of payments from its customers are required to apply for an SBO (Individual) Licence and submit their application online through the Online Business Licensing Services (OBLS) with the following information:
- Document showing that the applicant has a paid-up capital of at least S$100,000 at the point of licensing;
- Latest audited financial statement;
- Source of funding for the proposed prepaid services;
- Sample template design of the prepaid cards (both sides); and
- Breakdown of yearly cash flow for the next three years of operation.
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1.
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What are the requirements for setting up a satellite uplink/downlink facilities for broadcasting purposes?
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Companies intending to operate and provide satellite uplink and downlink for broadcasting purposes shall be required to apply for the Satellite Uplink/Downlink Licence for Broadcasting Purposes. Please refer to the "Guidelines to Application of Satellite Uplink/Downlink Licence for Broadcasting Purposes".
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1.
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What licence do we require to set up a VSAT station for corporate communication in Singapore?
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1.
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Do we require a licence for reselling Internet access services from a licensed Internet access service provider?
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Companies intending to enter into a resale agreement with any one of licensed Internet Access Service Providers (IASPs) to only act as resellers of the licensed IASPs and not position themselves as IASPs, are not required to apply for a licence from IDA. This is to allow licensed IASPs to establish marketing and distribution schemes for resale of their services. However, these resellers cannot market themselves as Facilities-Based Operator (FBO) or Services-Based Operator (SBO) but only as resellers of the licensed IASPs. A list of licensed IASPs is available at IDA's website at https://tls.ida.gov.sg/ under "Licence Search" section.
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2.
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Do businesses need a licence to provide WiFi services in their shops?
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As the businesses are only entering into a resale agreement with any one of the licensed Internet Access Service Providers (IASPs) to only act as resellers of Internet services, these businesses are not required to apply for a licence from IDA. This is on the condition that the businesses are only providing these WiFi services within their own premises and they are not marketing themselves as Facilities-Based Operator (FBO) or Services-Based Operator (SBO).
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1.
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Must a licensee for resale of Public Switched Telecommunication Services only resell the telecommunication services offered by FBOs?
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No, the licensee may resell any service(s) offered by any licensed FBO and/or SBO. It is not compulsory to only make available international call services offered by the FBOs. The resale of additional alternative telecommunication services from licensed FBOs or SBOs will depend on the equipment and billing constraint of the hotel.
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2.
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If a licensee only offers the IDD services of one company (for example, only ABC access code xxxx) and this is made known to their guest, can all the calls be re-routed regardless of access code dialed or can the calls to other access codes be blocked?
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If a licensee offers the IDD services of one company, e.g., ABC, the licensee must make this known to their end-users and the end-users should dial the access code of ABC, i.e., xxxx. The licensee, cannot route ABC's traffic to another service provider.
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1.
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What are the types of licences issued by IDA for operation of radio-communication station / network in Singapore?
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The types of licences issued by IDA for operation of radio-communication station / network in Singapore are as follows:
- Ship Station Licence
- Aircraft Station Licence
- Amateur Station Licence
- Experimental Station Licence
- Localised Radio-communication Station Licence
- General Radio-communication Station Licence
- Satellite Communication Station Licence
- Special Purpose Station Licence
- Localised Private Network Licence
- Wide-Area Private Network Licence
- Public Mobile Network Licence
- Fixed Wireless Network Licence
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2.
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What are the requirements / licence fees for applying a licence to operate radio-communication station/ network?
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3.
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How do I become a radio amateur in Singapore (or amateur radio operator)?
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You must first obtain an Amateur Station Licence from IDA before operating an amateur radio station. The amateur radio licensee must comply with the terms and conditions of the licence, and the rules and conditions governing the operation of an amateur station as stated in the Radio Amateur's Licensing Handbook.
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1.
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Do telecommunication equipment dealers need to be licensed?
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Yes, equipment dealers dealing in telecommunication equipment that is registered or set out in the First Schedule of the Regulations need to register with IDA for a Telecommunication Dealer's Class Licence, while those dealing with equipment that include non-approved equipment must apply to IDA for a Telecommunication Dealer's Individual Licence.
The requirements are specified in the Guidelines on Licensing Scheme published on IDA website. Applicants can register/apply online through the Online Business Licensing System for the relevant Dealer's Licence.
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2.
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What are the procedures for importing of telecommunication equipment into Singapore?
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The import of telecommunication equipment into Singapore is controlled by IDA. Under the Telecommunication (Dealers) Regulations, importers must have the Telecommunication Dealer's Licence if the telecommunication equipment is import for sale, let for hire, sell or offer or possess for sale. The importer will need to obtain prior approval from IDA for each consignment containing telecommunication equipment. Except for certain sensitive telecommunication equipment, which may cause interference to public telecommunication services or pose a security threat, all imports are normally approved.
For approval to import telecommunication equipment, the licensed dealer, importer or his cargo-clearing agent must transmit the Inward Declarations via Tradenet, an online import processing system to IDA. IDA will assess the import declarations and approve the permit electronically. The importer can print the approved permit and produce it to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore to take delivery of the imported equipment.
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3.
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What types of telecommunication equipment are under import control?
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The licensing and import control cover all line terminal equipment (e.g. telephones, key telephone systems, modems, etc.) and radio-communication equipment (e.g. two way radio, walkie-talkie, amateur radio, and cellular handphones.)
The licensing and import control apply to telecommunication equipment originating in and coming from any territory. The purpose is to monitor the imports to ensure that non-approved telecommunication equipment is not imported for sale to local consumers for use in Singapore. Sensitive telecommunication equipment, which may cause interference to public telecommunication services or pose security risks, is also prohibited.
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4.
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What types of telecommunication equipment are prohibited?
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Telecommunication equipment, which causes interference to the public telecommunication services or poses security risks, is prohibited. Dealers or individuals shall not manufacture, import, sell, let for hire or possess for sale any prohibited telecommunication equipment except where approved by IDA upon such terms and conditions as may be approved. The list of prohibited equipment is in the Third Schedule of the Telecommunications (Dealers) Regulations.
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1.
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What is the purpose of licensing scheme for Telecommunication Cable Detection Workers?
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The licensing scheme for Telecommunication Cable Detection Workers has been implemented with effect from 1 July 2000 to ensure that qualified personnel are engaged by contractors to carry out cable detection work prior to any earthworks. This is to minimise damages to underground telecommunication cables leading to disruption of telecommunication services.
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2.
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What are the requirements under the Telecommunications Act (the "Act") relating to Earthwork?
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3.
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What are the training options/facilities available for a person who intends to become a telecommunication cable detection worker?
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Under the Telecommunications (Cable Detection Workers) Regulations, a person who wishes to apply for a Telecommunication Cable Detection Worker's Licence is required to complete a course in telecommunication cable detection work. Currently, SingTel Learning Centre conducts a two-day telecommunication cable-locating course to provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge in locating underground telecommunications cables and pipelines. A person that has completed and passed the course may apply for a Cable Detection Worker's Licence.
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4.
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What are the prerequisites to apply for the telecommunication cable-locating course?
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Applicants for the telecommunication cable-locating course are required to have at least one-year relevant practical experience, and one of the following qualifications:
- Industry Technician Certificate;
- National Technical certificate Grade 2 issued by the Institute of Technical Education;
- At least 3 GCE 'O' level passes;
- Certificate in Pavement Construction Course; or
- National Certificate in Construction Supervision Course.
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1.
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What is the penalty for dealing in prohibited equipment?
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Dealers who possess for sale such equipment for local use would violate Regulation 11 of the Telecommunication (Dealers) Regulations as well as breach the Dealers licensing conditions. A financial penalty can be imposed under Section 8 of the Telecommunications Act. In addition, IDA will seize the prohibited equipment and IDA may in lieu of the financial penalty, suspend or cancel the licence.
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2.
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What are the types of Prohibited Telecommunication Equipment in Singapore?
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The following types of equipment are prohibited for local use:
- Scanning receiver;
- Military communication equipment;
- Telephone voice changing equipment;
- Radio communication jamming devices operating in any frequency band; and
Radio communication operating in frequency bands 890-915 and 935-960 MHz except cellular mobile phones or such other equipment approved by the Authority. Please refer to a list of prohibited telecommunication equipment here.
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1.
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Does Singapore Post have a monopoly in the provision of postal services?
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No, the postal sector was fully liberalised on 31 March 2007 and any interested parties may apply for a licence to provide basic mail service.
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2.
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What is an Express Letter Service Class Licence?
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Express Letter Service is a service where letters are delivered within the same working day. Companies who wish to provide express letter services can simply register with IDA for a class license and pay a lifetime fee of S$200.
For delivery of documents and parcels, captured under courier services, this service is not regulated or licensed in Singapore. Companies that do not deliver any "letter" item, but only handle parcels do not need a license from IDA.
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3.
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Do I need a licence to deliver letters?
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The following activities do not require a licence from IDA:
- letters not exceeding 3 in number sent by a person for delivery by the person to another without hire, reward or other profit for receiving, carrying or delivering the letters;
- any letter solely concerning the affairs of either correspondent by an employee of either correspondent;
- the conveyance of any letter solely concerning any goods or other property which is to be delivered with the letter, without hire, reward or other profit for receiving, carrying or delivering the letter, if the letter is open to inspection and has thereon the words “Consignee’s letter” or other words to the same effect; and
- the conveyance from one place to another of -
- any letter which weighs more than 500 grams;
- any letter by direct mail;
- any letter by the sender personally; or
- any document in respect of which a method of service other than post is required or authorised by written law.
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4.
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What is a letter?
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The Postal Services Act (Cap.237A) defines "letter" as any communication in written form on any kind of physical medium to be conveyed and delivered (otherwise than electronically) to a particular addressee or address indicated by the sender on the letter itself or on its wrapping, and includes a postal article containing such communication, but does not include any book, catalogue, newspaper or periodical.
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5.
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What are the criteria for the distribution of a Public Postal Licensee's postal outlets and posting boxes in Singapore?
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The distribution of postal outlets and posting boxes is based on the criteria indicated in Tables 2 and 3 below.
Table 2. Criteria for distribution of Postal Outlets
| Area | Criteria | HDB Estate | There must be at least 1 postal outlet within every HDB New Town estate. Where the population exceeds 100,000, a second postal outlet should be sited in the secondary centre of activity, which is defined as any neighbourhood centre within the New Town. This second postal outlet should be at least 3 km from the outlet in the town centre to ensure that postal outlets are as evenly spread as possible within the New Town. | Private Residential Estate | A postal outlet should be sited within 5 km from the estate. | Commercial/Industrial Estate | A postal outlet should be sited within 1 km from another postal outlet, to ensure that outlets are within walking distance from places of work. |
Postal outlets refer to post offices, those run directly by SingPost and those franchised to private operators, as well as sub-post offices. Postal agents, stamp vendors, postal automated machines and OCBC ATMs are not considered as postal outlets.
Table 3. Criteria for distribution of Posting Boxes
| Area | Distance between 2 posting boxes | Business and Commercial | Between 250 m and 500 m | Industrial | Between 1 km and 2 km | Residential
(a) High-density
(>30,000 per 2.5 km radius) | Between 500 m and 750 m | (b) Medium-density
(5,000 to 30,000 per 2.5 km radius) | Between 750 m and 1 km | (c) Light-density (<5,000 per 2.5 km radius) | Between 1 km and 2 km |
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