Regulator IDA Singapore has imposed fines on each of the nation's three mobile operators, after accusing them of failing to meet QoS standards for outdoor 3G coverage.
SingTel, M1 and StarHub will each be fined S$10,000 ($8,200) for non-compliance with outdoor QoS standards during the month of September.
IDA revised the QoS framework for 3G service standards earlier this year, including raising the standard for nationwide outdoor coverage to a stringent 99%, from 95% previously.
“The results of [a] joint survey showed that the nation-wide outdoor service coverage for all three mobile operators was below the QoS standard of at least 99%, even though they performed well in providing general mobile coverage,” IDA said while announcing the fines.
The regulator said the main reason for the non-compliance was the inclusion of new testing areas accessible only by foot during QoS testing, including housing estates and recreational areas.
The S$10,000 penalty is well below the maximum S$50,000 fine IDA is entitled to level against operators not complying with QoS standards - but double the previous maximum penalty of S$5,000.