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S
INGAPORE SHARES THE
commitment and vision of partici-
pants at the World Summit on the Information Society
(WSIS) in building a people-centred and inclusive
Information Society. The Singapore Government has identified
information and communication technology (ICT) as both an
enabler for its population to achieve its full potential and as one
of the pillars of Singapore’s economic success. The Government
also strongly believes that the benefits of ICT should be enjoyed
by all. Therefore, significant efforts have been focused on making
ICT more accessible to the general population through the promo-
tion of market competition and ICT adoption.
Promoting a vibrant and competitive ICT industry
Singapore strongly believes that the process started by the full
liberalization of the ICT sector in 2000, combined with a pro-
competition regulatory framework, will drive access prices down
and encourage ICT adoption.
Singapore has attracted a total of 36 facilities-based operators
and 731 services-based operators since the telecom market was
liberalized in April 2000. This has resulted in a corresponding
increase in access options and broadband speeds. Today, users
have a choice of Internet access through DSL, cable, ATM and
wireless broadband, and Internet access speeds have reached up
to 25Mbps for residential ADSL and cable modem access.
Singapore’s pro-regulatory framework also allows competing
service providers to offer broadband Internet service access on
existing incumbents’ networks, enabling faster rollout of services
and promoting competition at the wholesale level. Since telecom
liberalization, our pro-competition regulatory framework has
provided an environment conducive to the entry of new players
in the Singapore market. In yet another effort to increase compe-
tition, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)
is proactive in introducing new infrastructure players into the
industry. It recently issued six wireless broadband access spec-
trum rights in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz frequency bands through
an auction.
Singapore is at the forefront of embracing new technologies
to enhance its competitiveness. Trials are underway for appli-
cations using technologies such as Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) and nanotechnology. The Lion City is also
encouraging technologies like IP telephony to bring the bene-
fits of lower cost, convenience and greater choice to consumers
and businesses. It has recently announced a light-touch regu-
latory framework on IP telephony services, to encourage the
growth of that sector and to benefit broadband users who can
take advantage of lower cost IP telephony services. Recently,
Singapore also issued telephone numbers and licenses for IP
telephony services.
Singaporeans are using ICT for working, learning and playing.
The 2004 Household Survey by the Singapore IDA shows that 74
per cent of households in Singapore own personal computers.
Internet access in households stands at 65 per cent. Such a steady
rise in computer ownership and Internet access can be attributed
in part to the various national infocomm programmes.
Promoting e-lifestyle in the Lion City
The Singapore Government places emphasis on ICT as a pillar
of economic growth and social development. In doing so, it
takes the lead in the promotion of ICT. As a way of spurring the
use and development of the ICT sector, the Government invests
heavily in putting its services online and encouraging people to
use them.
IT in the Singapore Government started way back in 1981,
when the Government set up the National Computer Board to
drive the Civil Service Computerization Programme. Since then,
the Civil Service Computerization Programme has evolved into
an e-Government Action Plan. The first e-Government Action
Plan was developed in year 2000. Its vision was for Singapore to
be a leading e-Government, in order to better serve the country
and its population in the knowledge-based economy.
Under the plan, the Government has been proactively pushing
out public services online so that citizens can transact with it elec-
tronically with greater convenience. Today, there are about 1 600
public services online, and this makes up nearly 97 per cent of
Building an inclusive e-society in Singapore
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Bringing ICT to the classroom
Photo: Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore