Singapore’s M1 is targeting nationwide LTE deployment by Q1 next year.
M1 spokesperson Ivan Lim told TelecomAsia the company had already applied to the IDA to amend its existing facilities-based operator license to allow for the provision of LTE and related services. The upcoming network will target both the enterprise and consumer segments, said Lim.
M1’s LTE network will run on either the 1.8Ghz or 2.6Ghz spectrum band, with Huawei providing the installation of macro base stations, distributed base stations, EPC and network maintenance in a 5 year deal worth S$280 million ($226 million).
M1 paid S$21.69 million for spectrum rights to 2 x 5 Mhz lots in the 1.8Ghz band last month, which Lim said would be used for 2G expansion as well as the provision of 4G services.
The carrier has not yet decided whether to start off commercial LTE services with PC dongles as the device of choice, as has been the case with Hong Kong’s CSL. Lim said M1 would have to consider the LTE devices available at time of launch.