M1 & Starhub signs MOU to study deeper mobile network cooperation. It looks like it intends to further enhance both network in terms of redundancy and capability for future high speed networks. We asked M1 and Starhub these questions :
Q: Is this MOU just a paper agreement or something is already in the pipeline ?
A: M1 and StarHub today signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to kick-start the studying of potential further collaboration in mobile infrastructure sharing. This initiative builds upon both companies’ existing passive infrastructure sharing arrangements in MRT/road tunnels and outdoor/indoor sites.
Q: Is it for joint procurement or just for network redundancy,
A: With this MOU, both companies will be exploring the sharing of radio access network, backhaul and access assets, so as to enhance network coverage and capacity for customers. Wireless spectrum and network traffic will continue to be managed independently by the companies.
Q: Will there be OTT contents in future possible discussions?
A: This MOU is focused on mobile network infrastructure.
Press Release
M1 and StarHub Express Interest in Deeper Mobile Network Cooperation
MOU signed to kick-start study
Singapore, 12 January 2017 – M1 Limited (M1) and StarHub Mobile Pte Ltd
(StarHub) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, to study potential
further collaboration in mobile infrastructure sharing, with a focus on sharing radio
access network, backhaul and access assets.
The MOU was signed by Chief Executive Officer of M1, Ms Karen Kooi and Chief
Executive Officer of StarHub, Mr Tan Tong Hai.
For many years, M1 and StarHub have been sharing mobile infrastructure through
mutual cooperation, including the combined antenna systems, in-building fibre and
tunnel cables.
The aim of deeper mobile network cooperation is to enable both companies to
optimise use of certain network elements through sharing, and improve network
coverage and capacity for the benefit of their respective customers. Network traffic
will continue to be managed independently by the companies.
Pooling of network resources will allow M1 and StarHub to roll out more cost
effective next-generation networks to meet fast growing demand of mobile data
services.
Mr Tan said, “We are cooperating to bring the Singapore infocomm industry to the
next level, to compete not on pure infrastructure ownership, but at a higher level of
customer service and innovative value creation. Sharing mobile network radio
elements with M1, but keeping our individual mobile core networks, will allow
StarHub to provide better mobile service (in particular, mobile coverage) and still be
able to differentiate ourselves.”
“When realised, this could lower our operational and capital expenditures for both M1
and StarHub, so that we can run our existing mobile services efficiently, and still be
able to invest in future technologies to keep Singapore at the forefront of the
infocomm industry,” Ms Kooi added.