This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 6/13/2019

Overview

                                           

2016

2017

2018 

2019 (estimated)

Total Market Size

306

1,008

904

1,000

Local Production

2,291

2,118

2,139

1,900

Exports

11,444

11,558

12,522

12,200

Imports

9,459

10,448

11,287

11,300

Imports from the U.S.

664

724

803

810

Exchange rate: 1USD

1.38

1.38

1.35

1.35

$US millions (total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Data Sources: Singapore Government Trade Statistics

Singapore is one of the world’s most technologically advanced telecommunications markets. Telecommunications and Internet facilities in Singapore are state-of-the-art, providing high-quality communications with the rest of the world. 3G services were rolled out in 2005, 4G in 2011, and mobile operators introduced 4G+ and LTE-A in 2014.  Singapore has three main mobile telephony operators, Singtel, Starhub and M1.  Australian TPG Telecom won the fourth national mobile operator license in December 2016 and is expected to roll out its services nationwide in 2019.  In May 2019, the Singapore government called for interested telecommunication operators to submit detailed proposals on deployment of 5G network and services with the intention of assigning 5G airwaves to two operators.

Singaporeans are avid users of technology, highly connected and voracious consumers of data. In January 2019, the Singapore wireless broadband penetration rate was 203.6% and mobile penetration reached 149.6%. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reported that there has been a doubling of mobile data consumption in Singapore between 2016 and 2018. More statistics can be found at: https://www.imda.gov.sg/industry-development/facts-and-figures/telecommunications/statistics-on-telecom-services

In 2018, broadband adoption amongst all businesses in Singapore was 90%, and the rate was 97% for those companies with 10 or more employees. According to latest available Singapore government statistics, 91% of Singapore homes have broadband access. There is continued growth of household Internet and broadband access over the years and smart phones have replaced computers as the top equipment of choice for accessing Internet at home. Online shopping continued to grow, and online shoppers were mainly aged 15-49. More information can be found at https://www.imda.gov.sg/industry-development/facts-and-figures/.

The U.S. and Singapore have a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on telecom equipment certification. A list of the recognized U.S. testing and certification agencies can be found at:
https://www.imda.gov.sg/regulations-licensing-and-consultations/international-relations/mutual-recognition-arrangements
 


Leading Sub-Sectors

Singapore is a major entrepôt that serves as a distribution center for companies interested in selling to the region. In 2018, over 90% of telecommunications products imported into Singapore were re-exported for third country consumption. Best prospects for the Singapore market are next generation solutions for broadband, 5G, and Smart City solutions.


Opportunities

In May 2019, Singapore’s Minister for Communications & Information told Parliament that 5G technology and networks will be a critical part of Singapore’s digital economy. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced a public consultation on Policy and Regulatory Framework for 5G Rollout in Singapore by 2020. Interested telecommunication operators are requested to submit detailed proposals on deployment of 5G network and services. The IMDA plans to allocate the 3.5GHz, 26GHz and 28GHz bands for 5G in the initial tranche of spectrum allocation to two operators. The government’s requirement that the 5G network be a new one that does not piggyback on 4G technologies will give the operators a level playing field to pick the equipment suppliers.

Since last year, the three local operators, Singtel, Starhub and M1 have been testing all kinds of 5G applications from virtual reality content streaming to unmanned drones. Singtel is working with Ericsson, Starhub with Nokia and Huawei and M1 with Huawei.   The telecommunication operators in Singapore are constantly looking for new technologies as they seek to offer advanced value-added solutions and services to their customers, including IoT such as smart home and healthcare applications.

SP Telecom, a joint venture by ST Engineering and SP Group, is investing in building an alternative fiber broadband network to the Singapore government backed Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN) that was launched in 2010.  Singapore Telecom’s business grade fiber broadband network services is expected to fully rolled out commercially in the first three months of 2019 and provide comprehensive coverage that can serve all government, wholesale and business customers in five years.  

In November 2018, Singapore launched the Services and Digital Economy Technology Roadmap. It is an important part of Singapore’s Digital Economy Framework for Action https://www.imda.gov.sg/sgdigital/digital-economy-framework-for-action, providing a scan of the digital technology landscape in the next 3 to 5 years, identifying the impact of key shifts and technology trends.

According to IMDA, Services 4.0 was identified as a key engine of growth for Singapore’s digital economy as the services industry accounts for 72% of the country’s GDP. The roadmap will enable business across sectors to harness technology and innovate, equipping their workers with new skills and capturing opportunities in the digital marketplace to deliver customer-centric experiences.


Web Resources

ConnecTechAsia
Incorporating: CommunicAsia, NXTAsia & BroadcastAsia
June 18-20, 2019
June 16-18, 2020

 
Key websites:
Infocomm Media Development Authority
GovTech Singapore
Smart Nation
Cyber Security Agency of Singapore
SGTech
ATis Singapore
U.S Export Market Intelligence
 

U.S. Commercial Service, Singapore Contact

Ms. CHIA Swee Hoon, Senior Commercial Specialist
Email: SweeHoon.Chia@trade.gov

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.