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 Code of Practice for Competition in the Provision of Telecommunication Services 2010 (Telecom Competition Code 2010). IDA may grant exemptions from specific provisions of the Telecom Competition Code 2010 where good cause is shown.
IDA strongly encourages its licensees to enter into interconnection and access agreements through commercial negotiations. IDA, however, has taken a more active role in ensuring the adoption of just, reasonable and non-discriminatory interconnection and access agreements involving dominant licensees. IDA requires a dominant licensee to provide interconnection and access related services to facilities-based and service-based licensees under its reference interconnection offer. Licensees who seek to interconnect with a dominant licensee may do so via: (a) an approved reference interconnection offer; (b) pursuant to an existing interconnection agreement; and (c) pursuant to an individualised interconnection agreement.
(a) Interconnection pursuant to an approved reference interconnection offer;
(b) Interconnection pursuant to an existing Interconnection Agreement; or
(c) Interconnection pursuant to an Individualised Interconnection Agreement .
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 2010. The list of the CSI designated by IDA can be found here.
IDA will resolve disputes between licensees arising out of the failure of licensees to enter into Individualised Interconnection Agreements or 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 procedures.
Except as otherwise specified, IDA will not intervene in other disputes relating to matters provided for in the Telecom Competition Code 2010. 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 process and standards set out in the Dispute Resolution Guidelines issued by IDA.
Guidelines on:
With effect from 15 August 2011, IDA will cease providing responses to government agencies or their project consultants who pre-consult IDA on height or land use proposals. The IDA requirements to be included in their Land-use proposals are stated in the attached page.
