Small cells deployment would be key part of potential new mobile network
Singapore-based Internet service provider MyRepublic has completed a funding round for a total of SG$23 million ($16.1 million) in a move to finance the launch of mobile services and become the country’s fourth mobile operator.
MyRepublic said that Brunei’s largest telecom operator, DST, was among the major investors in the latest funding round. The Brunei operator previously provided financial resources to MyRepublic to carry out a trial of small cell LTE technology.
“Unlike traditional mobile networks, a small cell network eschews the use of large, expensive base towers, instead deploying cost-effective LTE units in a region. This provides better coverage in enclosed spaces and even inside moving vehicles,” the company said.
MyRepublic is currently offering a 1 gigabit-per-second service, which was commercially launched in 2014. The operator currently has nearly 40,000 subscribers for this service.
According to MyRepublic, a total of SG$250 million will be needed in order to deploy a mobile network if it is granted a license to operate in the mobile segment.
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MyRepublic has launched services in New Zealand and Indonesia and plans to expand in markets including Malaysia and Australia.
Current mobile operators in Singapore include M1, Singtel and StarHub. The three operators are already offering 4G LTE in the Asian country.
India announces plans to release mobile spectrum
The Indian government announced plans to carry out a spectrum harmonization process by the end of the year, which will free up additional 3G spectrum.
The government aims to free up 15 megahertz of spectrum in the 2100 MHz band, which will be allocated during an auction in 2016.
The Department of Telecom is currently studying to allocate spectrum in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300MHz bands for the provision of 2G, 3G or 4G services.