Interconnection refers to the linking of communications networks to ensure that users of one communications network can access the communications networks and services of other telecommunications operators. Interconnection is necessary to promote effective competition in a multi-network, multi-operator environment.
All licensees are required to interconnect with each other, whether directly or indirectly, to ensure seamless any-to-any communications throughout Singapore. IDA's regulatory framework on interconnection is found in Sections 5 and 6 of the Telecom Competition Code 2005. IDA may grant exemptions from specific provisions of the Telecom Competition Code 2005 where good cause is shown.
IDA strongly encourages its licensees to enter into Interconnection Agreements through commercial negotiations. IDA, however, has taken a more active role in ensuring the adoption of just, reasonable and non-discriminatory Interconnection Agreements involving dominant licensees. IDA requires a dominant licensee to provide Interconnection Related Services to facilities-based and service-based licensees under its Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO). Licensees who seek to interconnect with a dominant licensee may do so via three options:
(a) Interconnection pursuant to an approved RIO;
(b) Interconnection pursuant to an existing Interconnection Agreement; or
(c) Interconnection pursuant to an Individualised Interconnection Agreement .
IDA will resolve disputes between licensees arising out of the failure of licensees to enter into Individualised Interconnection Agreements or Infrastructure Sharing Agreements. IDA may also resolve disputes regarding implementation of an interconnection agreement entered into with a dominant licensee or a Sharing Agreement entered into pursuant to IDA's dispute resolution proceedures.
Except as otherwise specified, IDA will not intervene in other disputes relating to matters provided for in the Telecom Competition Code 2005. Instead, licensees are required to resolve their disputes in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions of their respective agreements, or in the absence of any agreement, through good-faith commercial negotiations.
Where any dispute has been validly raised to IDA for resolution, IDA will adopt the dispute resolution process set out in the Dispute Resolution Guidelines issued by IDA.
IDA may require the sharing of any licensee's infrastructure. IDA will deem these infrastructures as Critical Support Infrastructure (CSI) according to the standards defined in Sub-section 7.3.1 of the Telecom Competition Code 2005. The list of the CSI designated by IDA can be found here.
Guidelines on:
