Singapore's Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure comprises both wired and wireless networks to ensure Singaporeans enjoy seamless connectivity. To complement the Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure, the Wireless@SG programme was launched in 2006 to catalyse the wireless broadband market in Singapore and promote wireless broadband lifestyle among citizens through the deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots in high human traffic areas within Singapore.
Given Singapore's high wireless broadband penetration and many sophisticated users, we envisage a continued increase in the use of Wi-Fi to access the Internet and services. Hence, the Next Phase of Wireless@SG Call-for-Collaboration was launched on 31 August 2012 to invite the industry to submit proposals to explore the feasibility of extending the Wireless@SG programme till 2017 and to solicit innovative ideas that will enhance wireless services for consumers and enterprises. Please refer to the link below for details.
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Based on the current M-Payment Landscape in Singapore, there are ongoing efforts by banks, operators and payment service providers in the M-Commerce and M-Payment space. These take on a variety of solutions from SMS to customized J2ME applications for specific types of phones. Such uncoordinated efforts are understandable due to different business models and unique customer characteristics in each industry. However, it is obvious that there will be fragmentation of M-Payment solutions that may dilute the end-user experience that could otherwise have higher consumer adoption rates. The absence of a common M-Payment platform that addresses settlement, security, risk of bad debt and repudiation may require future upgrades in each respective system.
There are multiple stakeholders that play a part in Remote and Proximity M-payments. From the likes of QB, EZLink, NETS to smaller payment service providers like Systems@Work to international organisations such as VISA, MasterCard and not forgetting the local and foreign banks. It is likely that there will be a converging of local payment acceptance points through a unified standard (CEPAS) for proximity payments.
If you are representing an organisation or a company that can contribute in any of the following areas, we would like to follow-up with you to understand your capabilities in:
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Contactless POS Roll-out
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Adoption of CEPAS standard
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Development of Over-the-Air Specifications
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Applications for Remote and Proximity M-Payment Services
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Mobile Government
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Integration of components making up the NFC Mobile Form Factor
M2M stands for machine-to-machine communications. M2M is about the networking of machines and devices that pervade our daily lives. Devices connect with other devices to share content such as alerts, supply chain information, digital content, facilitating a seamless flow of data and services. With M2M solutions, companies can easily automate their business processes and integrate their assets with their IT infrastructures. This translates to increased operational efficiencies, cost savings, better service levels, and even additional revenues.
The communications infrastructure, particularly in the wireless arena, has evolved significantly over the years. Although most networks were built to connect phones, PDAs and other information appliances, ordinary devices and machines now benefit from the technological evolution. Widespread wireless adoption and faster transmission rates, coupled with low installation costs, have also enabled greater numbers of devices to connect to available networks.
The real driving force behind the wireless data and service business is data. M2M applications enable meaningful and tangible real-time content for professional and consumer applications.
Telematics is one key strategy for M2M as well. It merges both automotive and telecommunications technology, providing data communication among vehicles-to-vehicles and roadside traffic infrastructure. Cars today have major components for communication systems for information, communication and driver assistance. These systems combine radio and audio systems with handsfree telephony and offer navigation using voice output and video displays - an off-board navigation system – which constantly receives up-to-date information on the traffic situation via the internet. Telematics systems give automobile drivers and passengers information, entertainment, and safety both within and outside the vehicle (i.e., on the roadside).
With an existing pervasive cellular network and ongoing projects to provide public wireless access in many areas of Singapore, mobile devices offer users one distinctive benefit that wired networks cannot: mobility. Mobility allows location to become an important attribute that can greatly enhance a user’s mobile experience.
Under the National Enabling Platforms, Policies and Standards (EPPS) in the iN2015 masterplan, location is one of the six areas of focus that have been identified to create a conducive environment for the development of new applications and services. Location infrastructure will be an enabling platform for service providers to obtain location information in a cost-effective manner. Using such location information, service providers will be able to roll out location-based and context-driven services to consumers and businesses.
The Cellular Network Programme aims to catalyst the development of an advanced and high data rate national cellular infrastructure in Singapore. With such an infrastructure in place, a vast array of new rich multimedia, innovative and interactive cellular services that leverages on high-speed wireless data can be conceived.
As part of this programme, the IDA launched the Call For Collaboration (CFC) on 3G Content and Services in 2005 to bring the local wireless industry together to develop and launch new and innovative 3G content and services that will fully exploit the capabilities of the 3G platform.
Following this direction, the programme will establish Singapore as a regional mobile hub for the cellular space, and facilitate towards realising the iN2015 Masterplan vision.
The Emerging Wireless Services Industry Development programme will support growth of Singapore’s infocomm industry by seeding industry development of new and emerging wireless broadband services, where Singapore-based infocomm enterprises would have a competitive advantage. Examples of such emerging services include converged mobile multimedia with converged voice and data services (including mobile Voice-over-IP), intelligent transport systems, and intelligent mobile surveillance and telemetry.
Regulations of M-Payments in Singapore
References/Resources for M-Payment
Wireless CFCs (previous CFCs)
