Singtel deploys 700MHz to improve 5G coverage in Singapore

　　Singtel has enhanced its 5G coverage by being the first in Singapore to deploy 700MHz spectrum, which will boost signal strength by up to 40% in high-rise buildings, underground spaces and remote areas across the city-state.

　　The low-frequency spectrum can cover more ground with fewer towers, providing the network reliability that enterprises need for always-on connectivity, while enabling consumers to experience smooth video calls or streaming video in locations with dead spots.

　　With this enhancement, the Singaporean telco operator said on Friday that it will now refer to its 5G service as 5G+.

　　The enhanced 5G+ service will cover an estimated 1.5 million subscribers – including Singtel's mobile enterprise, postpaid, prepaid and GOMO 5G customers – at no additional cost.

　　"Singtel is setting a new standard in 5G connectivity that will benefit both consumers and enterprises. We will continue to explore the latest technologies to bolster our 5G+ offering to deliver enhanced digital experiences," said Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore, in a statement.

　　Deeper and wider 5G coverage

　　According to Singtel, the deployment of the 700MHz band will enable it to further extend coverage to Singapore's outlying areas such as Tuas, Kranji, Sungei Kadut, Changi East and Jurong Island. These areas are home to military camps, factories and warehouses where space constraints limit the installation of telecommunications infrastructure.

　　In dense urban areas, the 700MHz band will ensure uninterrupted voice and data services in basement car parks and HDB condominiums or high-rise commercial buildings, where nearby concrete structures typically interfere with connectivity signals.

　　Singtel also said that the additional spectrum will also enhance the performance of services and applications in sectors such as security which rely on the smooth transmission of high-definition video footage for real-time threat detection and emergency response.

　　The company added that the enhanced 5G+ service will improve enterprise productivity by enabling faster data transfer and analysis, which is essential for mission-critical sectors such as healthcare, public safety and port operations.

　　Using 5G to fortify Singapore's national defense

　　Meanwhile, Singtel continues to deploy its 5G capabilities in various use cases in Singapore.

　　Last month, the company announced its partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency) to strengthen Singapore's defense capabilities. Specifically, the two security agencies will deploy Singtel's network slicing technology for use in areas such as improved situational awareness and response, command and control operations, rapid threat detection and rapid incident response.

　　The two security agencies will work with Singtel to develop customized solutions that will enable them to securely and quickly analyze large volumes of data, enabling first-responders to make better decisions and take action faster.

　　The partnership follows DSTA and HTX's successful trial using 5G for video-intensive transmissions and autonomous control of unmanned vehicles and drones at Sentosa in July 2023.

　　"The high bandwidth, low latency characteristics and network slicing capability of 5G holds great potential for use in defence applications, enhancing operational flexibility, effectiveness and efficiency," said Wong Chia Sern, director for infocomm infrastructure at DSTA, in a statement.

　　"As the usage for 5G in Singapore increases, it is imperative that we have a dedicated capacity that ensures Home Team operations are not affected even during scenarios where a surge in the number of network connections slows down data transmission speeds for normal users," said Vincent Ho, director of enterprise comms and digital infra (xCDI) at HTX, in the same statement.