The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (“MICA”) would like to seek feedback on the proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Act (“TA”).

The TA spells out the powers of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (“IDA”) and the rights and duties of telecommunication licensees and persons involved in the provision of telecommunication services in Singapore.

MICA, together with the IDA, has reviewed the TA, and is proposing amendments to refine the Government’s existing powers and ensure that the legislative framework is up-to-date.

Revisions to the TA seek to ensure that it remains relevant and sufficient to regulate the rapidly changing telecom industry while encouraging vibrancy and competition in the sector.

The proposed amendments include the control of critical telecom infrastructure and licensees, where it is recommended that the TA be amended to provide the Minister with the powers to ensure the continuity of telecom services, as well as the inclusion of new concepts and business models to provide greater clarity on the scope of consolidation provisions and ensure consistency with other existing legislations.