PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT AND MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE ACT

In response to requests to extend the deadline for the submission of responses to the public consultation on “Proposed Amendments to Telecommunications Act and Media Development Authority of Singapore Act”, MCI has decided to extend the deadline for submissions to 12 noon, 31 August 2016. No further extensions will be granted. We look forward to receiving feedback on the proposals.

INTRODUCTION

1. The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) is seeking public feedback on the proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Act (TA) and corresponding changes to the Media Development Authority of Singapore Act (MDAA).

SCOPE OF CONSULTATION

2 . The Telecommunications Act (Cap. 323) (“TA”) is the legislative framework that governs the regulation of Singapore’s telecommunications sector. The TA provides the Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore (“IDA”) the powers to grant licences, issue directions, codes of practice and standards of performance in connection with the operation of telecommunication systems, provision of telecommunication services, and conduct of telecommunication licensees, amongst others. The TA was last revised in 2012.

3. In this review, MCI recognises that consumers and businesses’ reliance on telecommunication services has increased significantly over the past few years. As a result, demands and expectations for reliable and better quality telecommunications services have gone up. Secondly, both IDA and MDA have put in place a suite of consumer protection measures to safeguard consumer interests. However increasingly, consumers tend to face issues that are more individualised or contractual in nature. Such consumer types could be better served through a dedicated platform. Lastly, end-users and businesses may not be able to have the freedom to access telecommunication services from operators of their choice. It will be important for any obstacles here to be removed so that consumers and businesses can fully reap the benefits of competition.

4. Bearing these observations in mind, MCI is proposing to amend the TA and make some related amendments to the Media Development Authority of Singapore Act (“MDAA”). This Consultation Paper summarises and outlines the key areas that MCI has identified and proposed for these legislative amendments, the rationale for the proposed amendments, and the procedures and timeframe for members of the industry and the public to submit their views and comments. The proposed Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill can be found at paragraph 11 below.

PERIOD OF CONSULTATION

5. The public consultation will be from 5 August 2016 till 24 August 2016. 

FEEDBACK CHANNEL

6. Respondents should organise their submissions as follows:

1. Cover page (including their personal/company particulars and contact information);
2. Table of contents;
3. Summary of major points;
4. Statement of interest;
5. Comments; and
6. Conclusion.

Supporting materials may be placed as an annex to the submission.

7. All submissions should be clearly and concisely written, and should provide a reasoned explanation for any proposed revisions. Where feasible, respondents should identify the specific provision of the TA and/or MDAA on which they are commenting and explain the basis for their proposals.

8. All submissions should reach MCI no later than 24 August 2016, 12 noon. Respondents are to adhere to this timeline, and late submissions will not be considered. Comments must be submitted in both hard and soft copy (in Microsoft Word format). All comments should be addressed to:

Jason Bay
Director, Economic Regulation Division
Ministry of Communications and Information
140 Hill Street
Singapore 179369
Fax: (65) 6837 9480

9. Please submit your soft copies, with the email header “Public Consultation of the Review of the Telecommunications Act and Related Amendments to the Media Development Authority of Singapore Act”, to: TA_Public_Consult2016@mci.gov.sg.

PUBLICATION OF FEEDBACK

10. We will publish the feedback received from the respondents on the Ministry of Communications and Information’s website.

DOCUMENTS TO DOWNLOAD

11. For reference, please click here to download the relevant documents for this public consultation exercise.