Singapore telecommunication regular is open to fourth operator. The IDA is issuing interest from potential entrants to roll out services in the form of a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). This concept is not new where the operator buys airtime from existing operator and rides on their network to service their clients.

Almost a decade ago, Virgin Mobile was the first MVNO to launch in Singapore in 2001. Virgin Mobile Singapore was the first of what was to have been a pan-Asian mobile rollout for Virgin Group Ltd. and its 50:50 joint venture partner Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (SingTel). It differentiated itself from the existing 3 telcos Singtel, M1 and Starhub. Due to market conditions, it wound up operators in Oct 2002.
So, will we be seeing a repeat of history ? Who do you think will operate as the 4th telco?

By Harry