M1 fined $25,000 for failing to meet 3G outdoor coverage

SINGAPORE - An independent test conducted by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) in the second and third quarter of last year showed that the telco fell short of the 99 per cent outdoor mobile network coverage required during that period - except in August. The worst performance was in June when M1's network covered just 97.87 per cent of Singapore.

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Here is the full statement from the IDA:

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore has completed its Q2 and Q3 2013 audits of the mobile operators' performance for the Nationwide Outdoor Service Coverage. The findings showed that all three operators' performance has improved.

IDA's audits showed that SingTel Mobile and StarHub Mobile have met IDA's QoS standard for the Nationwide Outdoor Service Coverage Indicator, recording performances of more than 99 per cent respectively in Q2 and Q3 2013. These tests involve taking measurements at housing estates/town centres, outdoor recreational areas, above ground MRT tracks, and nation-wide drive tests.

M1 did not meet some of IDA's outdoor coverage requirements. In view of its continued efforts to improve overall coverage, IDA has decided to impose a financial penalty of $25,000.

In-Building and Tunnel Service Coverage

IDA also conducted its first audit for In-Building Service Coverage since the revised indicator came into effect on 1 April 2013. While all mobile operators met IDA's standard of more than 85 per cent service coverage in most of the buildings that IDA audited, some mobile operators did not meet IDA's QoS standard in particular buildings.

IDA will give mobile operator(s) six months to improve service coverage in those buildings that did not meet IDA's QoS standard. IDA will audit buildings with weaker signal coverage again in early and mid 2014 before deciding on a penalty.

As for road and MRT tunnels, all three mobile operators have met IDA's standard of more than 95 per cent service coverage standard in the tunnels. End-users may however experience occasional connectivity issues, depending on the availability of mobile capacity. IDA is currently studying the feasibility of formulating service quality standards of mobile broadband.

IDA's QoS framework seeks to ensure that consumers enjoy an acceptable level of service quality for the key telecommunication services by requiring mobile operators to comply with the minimum standards set by IDA. Under the QoS framework, operators may be subject to financial penalties of up to $50,000 per month for each instance of non-compliance for each indicator.