5G is about to become a reality for the masses in Singapore. With 20 times faster surfing speed than 4G, the next generation mobile technology is expected to drive the nation’s digital economy.The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has launched a Call for Proposal for the roll out of 5G mobile networks by 2020. Full-fledged 5G standalone capability covering at least half of Singapore are expected to be ready by end 2022.
Altogether, four networks can be rolled out next year but only two will provide nationwide coverage due to 5G bandwidth limitation. The other two can cover industrial areas such as ports and factories.
According to S Iswaran, Minister for Communications and Information, the decision can involve all four telcos — M1, Singtel, StarHub, and TPG Telecom.
“Singapore’s 5G ecosystem will be the backbone of our digital economy,” he said at SG: Digital Industry Day at Suntec Convention Centre.
Entelechy Asia 