Mobile phone users may soon be able to switch seamlessly across 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi networks during service outages or when one network is slow. This idea of a heterogeneous network (HetNet) is one of the proposals being floated for industry and public consultations as part of the Infocomm Media Masterplan for the next decade.

Proposals to test auto-switching of cellular networks are set for the middle of this year with a pilot rollout slated for early 2015. “National roaming needs to be developed in a modular fashion. We are already talking to telcos and equipment manufacturers,” said Ms Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA).

Led by the private sector, the Infocomm Media Masterplan Steering Committee which proposed this idea of automatic network transfers has also made a slew of other recommendations aimed at positioning Singapore as a leading user and advocate of cutting-edge Infocomm and Media (ICM) technologies while improving the quality of life for all here through the use of technology.

To rekindle the “kampung spirit”, the public may soon be able to exchange their time and skills rather than to pay cash for the services they need. Helping a neighbour fix a leaky pipe for example, would earn them virtual time credits. These could then be exchanged for other neighbourhood services on offer such as cooking lesson. This system, called the Community Time Exchange, has been tested successfully in the United States, Britain and Japan. Voluntary welfare groups and grassroot organisations here will be roped in to launch the project which will incorporate authentication and peer rating mechanisms.

Given Singapore’s aging population, the committee also hopes to make ICM technology more senior-friendly. Committee member Mr Eddie Chau stressed that technology needs to be revamped to suit the practical needs for the next generation of senior citizens. “For instance, a computer mouse may be tough to use for seniors who have problems with hand mobility. So how can they get engaged when they can’t even move a mouse or click it? There are a lot of things we need to do and there are a lot of opportunities,” he added.

One way of solving such age-related issues is to incorporate speech and motion technologies in smart TVs allowing seniors to surf the web with voice commands or a simple hand gesture. Smart Health-Assist is another useful ICM system that could assist seniors. It involves deploying an array of sensors which can monitor an individual’s health in the home environment and alert healthcare providers when the need arises.

On infrastructure development, Singapore currently has a range of sensors controlling everything from street lights to surveillance cameras but these, deployed by different government agencies, often result in duplication and rollout delays. The committee proposes using a common secure platform of above ground boxes to act as key aggregation points for fibre access and power needs with high-speed backhaul connectivity.

To encourage research and development within this sector, the committee is looking to establish a fast and affordable IP licensing framework to encourage a smoother flow of IPs into the ecosystem for government-funded R&D projects and boost the demand for ICM technologies.

It also aims to position Singapore as a “digital harbour” to anchor, process and distribute premium digital content while developing a reliable and trusted data marketplace in which private and public sector datasets are available to help generate new applications, products and services.

The committee said to nurture further growth of this young industry requires establishing a self-sustaining start-up ecosystem in which new and existing players can tap on the expertise, international connections and capital from a wide network of private investors.

On attracting more youngsters to the ICM industry, the committee is proposing incorporating computational thinking and coding in the syllabus of schools. Undergraduates in non-technical courses such as law, healthcare or business could also study ICM as a recognised minor, with subjects such as data analysis, modelling and simulation on offer. Those interested in joining this sector can accelerate their professional development through online resources where they can acquire additional skills and be exposed to new job opportunities. More avenues for learning through work attachments as well as alternatives for professionals in small and medium enterprises to pursue degree courses are also on the cards.

Mr Koh Boon Hwee, who chairs the committee, said, “These ideas represent potential new and bold directions for the ICM sectors. As such, we want to engage the industry and public to discuss viable business models and approaches that can support the ideas. These ideas are preliminary and not exhaustive. We welcome other views and ideas to grow our infocomm and media industry and how we can further make use of ICM as an enabler for other sectors.”

A series of industry and public consultations will be held from April to August 2014 after which the committee will study the feedback to fine-tune the proposed initiatives before completing its recommendations in mid-2015. The public can also give its feedback on the preliminary ideas by emailing [email protected] .

More information on the consultation sessions will be available at a later date on the masterplan’s website .