Singapore’s telecoms industry regulator the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), working with the National Research Foundation, has ringfenced SGD40 million (USD29.5 million) to develop an open and inclusive ‘5G Innovation Ecosystem’ in the city-state. IMDA says the new ecosystem should support the development of 5G technology trials for enterprise use-cases, creating a series of new open testbeds, and R&D in 5G technology. In the press release, IMDA confirmed its intention to ‘explore clusters such as maritime operations, urban mobility, smart estates, Industry 4.0, consumer applications and government applications,’ noting that these areas have been identified as having potential for ‘export globally, reinforcing Singapore’s goal to be a global front-runner in impactful 5G use-cases’.
Going forward, the watchdog plans to work with leading players from the industry and offer funding support, 5G trial licences and technical input to facilitate the development of innovative 5G applications, services, and sustainable 5G enterprise use-cases. IMDA pointed out that Singapore-based enterprises can apply for 5G funding from now until May 2020.