Tech bytes for tea?

Not so fast. In theory, it is possible to see 4G implemented in Singapore as early as this year. In reality, when we really see 4G take off in Singapore depends on many factors: roll-out by telcos, launch of smartphones and tablets by device makers, availability of compatible peripherals like dongles, and most important of all, applications to exploit the higher speed.

IDA announced its blueprint for the rollout of a 4G network in Singapore today. But don’t jump for joy yet – it is more a roadmap for early planning by the telcos to implement their versions of the network.

4G refers to the fourth generation of wireless-mobile standards and can be five to 10 times faster than current 3G networks. Downloading a video will become real fast. Maybe you can play those mean bandwidth-hungry games on your smartphones too.

The two main announcements on the rollout of Singapore’s 4G network address the immediate term from now to 2015, and the subsequent landscape beyond 2015.

Between now and 2015

Today, five companies SingTel, StarHub, M1, QMax and PacketOne hold the rights to use the 2.3/2.5 Ghz spectrum for wireless broadband access. SingTel, StarHub and M1 also holds the rights to use the 900/1800MHz bands for 2G mobile services. In 2005, they had successfully bid for the right to use the spectrums until 2015.

IDA gave the go-ahead for these operators to offer 4G services using their eixsting radiofrequency spectrums. These Telcos can seek approval from IDA to do so and the approval could be completed in a matter of weeks.

IDA did not mention the 700MHz band although it is included in the 4G standard.

Beyond 2015

Beyond 2015, IDA is planning to re-allocate rights to the wireless broadband spectrum. IDA will hold an auction for six lots of 4G wireless spectrum rights next year.

“SingTel is exploring all options available and is working closely with network providers to ensure commercial LTE services can be introduced to our customers in good time,” said a SingTel spokesperson.Thus far, SingTel, StarHub and M1 have announced plans to roll out a 4G technology based on the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard.

M1 has completed its LTE trials in April 2010 and will be upgrading its network to LTE in 2011.

A StarHub spokesperson said that StarHub is “currently conducting technical trials of LTE.”

4G networks have already been rolled out in the US and a few4G handsets have already been launched by some smartphone makers.

Use of the 4G network in Singapore will probably begin on laptops using dongles. 4G smartphones and tablets will only come later, probably in 2012, but more likely in 2013.

However, the main driving factor of WHEN a 4G network in Singapore will really take off depends on whether consumers or business users can find a compelling need to migrate from an already speedy 3G network to the new network, presumably at an increased cost.

The IDA has gotten off to a good start by laying down the blueprint early for all interested parties to plan their hardware and network investments, as well as to clarify the usage of the relevant spectrums.

The gauntlet is now thrown to the Telcos to work out the detailed standards and spectrum allocation, price plans and services to exploit the broader bandwidth.