The Singaporean telecoms regulator IDA has published the rules for the planned 3G Spectrum Rights (2010) Auction. The IDA will offer for allocation three paired 3G Spectrum Lots in the 1900/2100 MHz band. Each bidder which wins one or more 3G Spectrum Lots will be granted one 3G Spectrum Right (2010). The licence will allow the winner(s) to use the 3G Spectrum Lots to operate a 3G network.

IDA has published the auction rules for the 3G Spectrum Rights (2010) Auction. All queries on the auction are to be submitted to IDA by hand or by fax (Fax number: +65 6211 2116), attention to Ms Aileen Chia, by 5pm, 20 September 2010.
IDA is prepared to conduct an optional briefing to potential bidders on the 3G Spectrum Rights (2010) Auction Framework on 17 September 2010, 2:30pm, at IDA. Interested bidders are invited to register with IDA by 5pm, 15 September 2010. Please send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with the subject header "3G Spectrum Rights (2010) Auction Briefing".

Introduction

1.1 The Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore (“IDA”) is the authority in charge of regulating and promoting the information and communication technology industry in Singapore. Pursuant to the Telecommunications (Radio-communication) Regulations, IDA will offer for allocation third generation (“3G”) radio-frequency spectrum lots in the 1900/2100 MHz band (together “3G Spectrum Lots” and each a “3G Spectrum Lot”) by way of the Auction process described in this Information Memorandum and the Auction Rules for Auction of 3G Spectrum Rights (2010) (“Auction Rules”). Each Bidder which is allocated one or more 3G Spectrum Lots in the Auction will be granted one 3G Spectrum Right (2010) in respect of such 3G Spectrum Lot(s). A 3G Spectrum Right (2010) will permit the Bidder granted such 3G Spectrum Right (2010) to use the 3G Spectrum Lot(s) it is allocated in the Auction to operate a 3G mobile communication system for the purposes of providing 3G mobile communication services in relation to that 3G Spectrum Right (2010), provided that the successful Bidder has or obtains the necessary Facilities-Based Operator Licence (“FBO Licence”) for such operations. This Information Memorandum contains important information that interested persons should read and understand for the purpose of the Auction.

1.2 This Information Memorandum contains:

• an overview of the 3G Spectrum Lots offered for allocation in the Auction and the 3G Spectrum Rights (2010) that will be granted in respect thereof;
• a review of associated policy issues;
• an indicative timetable; and
• a description of the application process.

Unless expressly specified otherwise, all capitalised terms and expressions used in this Information Memorandum are as defined in the Auction Rules, released by IDA on 3 September 2010.

2. Spectrum to be Allocated

2.1 A total of three paired 3G Spectrum Lots will be made available for allocation in the Auction. Bidders will bid for specific lots, deciding which lots to bid for and how much to bid for them.

2.2 Details of the 3G Spectrum Lots available for allocation in the Auction are shown in the table below:

3G Spectrum Lot Number