Wired telecommunications network operation
Licences & Permits
19 licences required to operate under this SSIC code, plus 2 that may apply depending on activity.
ESER is applicable to: Short range/low power devices (SRD/LPD) e.g. alarm, RFID, radio-detection, on-site paging and vehicle radar systems, remote controls, telecommand, telemetry, wireless microphone and video transmitter, wireless LAN and Bluetooth DECT Cordless Telephone, Portable mobile radio (PMR446) and multi-channel portable radio (MCR446) at less than 500 mW DVB-T2 Integrated Receiver Decoder (e.g. DVB-T2 Set-top box, Integrated Digital TV, In-vehicle receiver) Complex multi-line equipment (e.g. PABX, KTS, ISDN, PABX, PSTN, PLC)
- Validity
- 5 years
- Processing
- immediate
Prerequisites (2)
- Documents Needed
- Please refer to https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/enhanced-simplified-equipment-registration-(eser)
For exhibiting telecommunication equipment using radio frequency on a temporary basis for a period of not exceeding 90 days.
- Validity
- Maximum 90 days
- Processing
- Within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information
Prerequisites (2)
- Intent Document
- A brief description on the intended use of frequency, the types of equipment to be exhibited and their functions.
- Validity
- For more information, please refer to the guidelines on IMDA’s website
- Processing
- available on the agency's website
You require a Fixed Wireless Network Licence if you intend to establish and operate the network or provide fixed wireless network services (such as use of multiple high-power base or fixed station within a cluster). For more information please visit: IMDA's website
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing
- Within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information
Prerequisites (2)
- Required Documents
- Purpose of proposed network and supporting documents
GER is mandatory for registration of Mobile/IoT Base Station/Repeater System, Landmobile Radio/walkie-talkie, TV White Space devices, UWB, DSRC, IoT User Equipment and Short Range Devices where the operation requires IMDA's approval. Application is optional for equipment categories that falls under SER/ESER scheme but subject to registration fees under GER scheme.
- Validity
- 5 years
- Processing
- within the next 10 working days
Prerequisites (2)
- General Equipment Registration (GER)
- Please refer to https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/general-equipment-registration-(ger)
You need a Localised Private Network (Multi-channel Radio-communication) Licence if you meet all of the following conditions: You wish to operate a multi-channel radio- communication network (such as walkie talkie network) on a shared-use basis and within a localised area. This means the coverage of the network is confined to a specific location. Your network has at least 2 sets of portable radio-communication equipment (such as walkie talkies). The output power of the radio-communication equipment is limited to 1 watt Effective Radiated Power (ERP). The channels are pre-set by the manufacturers to the following frequency range: 446.325 MHz to 446.475 MHz. For more information please visit: IMDA website
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing
- immediate upon payment
You should apply for a Localised Private Network Licence if you intend to operate a radio-communication network (such as walkie talkie network) within a localised area. This means the coverage of the network is confined to a specific location. Examples of a localised area include: A compound (including buildings, roads and car parks) within the same postal code. A construction site within one land lot number. For more information please visit: IMDA website
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing
- within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information
Prerequisites (12)
- Purpose of the proposed network
- Include a detailed explanation of why you need the network (examples include: for security services, operation of cranes in construction sites, for production lines or health and safety purposes).
- For a high power network or fixed station: Include a letter from your management on why the network is required.
- Desired frequency range for the network
- Include the alternate frequency range if the desired range is not unavailable.
- Number of units of mobile stations in the network
- Number of units of mobile stations in the network
- Required output power of the network
- Check with your vendor for the required output power if you are unsure.
- Operating location of the network
- Include the address and its GPS coordinates.
- Note: If your operating location does not have a postal code (such as a construction site or underground tunnel), you need to upload a site map. This can be in the form of a PDF or JPG file.
You should apply for a Localised Radio-communication Station Licence to operate any of the following equipment or short-range radio-communication device that does not comply with IMDA Technical Specification: Local area paging devices Radio frequency remote control devices Telemetry or alarm systems or both Transceivers (CB walkie talkies) Wireless data or voice systems Wireless microphones Any other radio-communication equipment as authorised by IMDA For more information please visit: https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/localised-radio-communication-station-licence
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing
- within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information
Prerequisites (3)
- Supporting documents
- Purpose of proposed station installation
- Diagram showing the justification and design of the proposed set-up
You should apply for a Public Mobile Network Licence if you intend to set up a public mobile network to establish and provide telecommunication services to public. For more information please visit: IMDA's Website
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing
- Within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information
For providing internet access services to all or part of the public (includes any single building, institution, residential or commercial complex but does not include provision to a person's own employees for use within the person's firm or corporation). For more information please visit: https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/internet-service-providers-class-licence-registration
- Validity
- Perpetual
- Processing
- within 4 working days for completed applications
Prerequisites (5)
- Documents Needed
- Charges
- Programming Guidelines/Acceptable Use Policy
- Schematic of the Delivery System
- Diagram detailing how your network connects to the Internet, including information about host servers, routers, hubs, nodes, firewalls, network protocols and network implementation.
You need a Satellite Communication Station Licence to install and operate any of the following types of stations for satellite communication: Portable Satellite Communication Terminal: A station or terminal that is portable or mobile. Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT): A fixed station that uses an antenna no larger than 4 metres in size. Earth Station: A fixed station that uses an antenna that is at least 4 metres in size. Tracking, Telemetry and Command (TT&C) Earth Station: A fixed station that performs TT&C functions for a satellite as its main purpose. For more information please visit: IMDA website
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing
- within 10 working days upon complete submission of all informatin
Prerequisites (5)
- Documents Needed
- Justification for why the equipment is required.
- A satellite link budget showing the frequency and bandwidth required, and Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) of the antenna.
- Technical specifications of the equipment.
- A site map of where the station will be installed.
For leasing telecommunication network elements from any Facilities-Based Operator (FBO) licensed by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) so as to provide their own telecommunication services or to resell the telecommunication services of FBOs or Services-Based Operations (SBOs) licensees to third parties. SBO (Class) Licensees shall not collect monetary deposits and/or use prepaid cards as a means of collecting payment from their customers. For more information please visit: https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/services-based-operations-licence
- Validity
- No expiry
- Processing
- 8 working days for manual approval if not Auto Approved
Prerequisites (4)
- Documents Needed
- Description of each service (Including scope and type)
- Latest ACRA Bizfile
- System/Network Configuration Diagram
For leasing telecommunication network elements from any Facilities-Based Operator (FBO) licensed by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) so as to provide their own telecommunication services or to resell the telecommunication services of FBOs or Services-Based Operations (SBOs) to third parties. For more information please visit: https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/services-based-operations-licence
- Validity
- All SBO (Individual) Licences are valid for 5 years and can be renewed on a 5-yearly basis
- Processing
- within 14 working days from the date of submitting all required information and that all clarifications with IMDA have completed
Prerequisites (6)
- Documents Needed
- Description of each service (Including scope and type)
- Latest ACRA Bizfile
- System/Network Configuration Diagram
- Financial Information
- Source of Funding (for prepaid services)
SER is applicable to: Mobile Terminals e.g. 5G/LTE/GMPCS mobile phone, IoT user equipment Broadband Access Equipment e.g. ADSL, Cable Modem and CCHN equipment
- Validity
- 5 years
- Processing
- within the next 3 working days
Prerequisites (2)
- Required Documents
- Please refer to https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/simplified-equipment-registration-(ser)
For the manufacture, import, hire, sale, offer or possession for sale of any approved (by way of registration) telecommunication equipment or equipment set out in the First Schedule of the Telecommunication (Dealers) Regulations (the "Regulations").
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing
- 3 working days
Prerequisites (2)
- No supporting document is required
- Applicant will be contacted if any other supporting document is required.
For the manufacture, import, hire, sale, offer or possession for sale of any approved telecommunication equipment or equipment set out in the First Schedule of the Telecommunication (Dealers) Regulations (the "Regulations") and includes the manufacture, import and sale of non- approved equipment for the sole purpose of re-export.
- Validity
- 5 years
- Processing
- 2 working days
Prerequisites (3)
- No Supporting Document Required
- No supporting document is required for the submission of online application.
- Applicant will be contacted if any other supporting document is required.
For carrying out installation, maintenance or repair of telecommunication wiring works. For more information please visit: https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/telecommunication-wiring-contractor-class-licence
- Validity
- No expiry date. The licence is valid until it is cancelled or suspended
- Processing
- immediate upon payment
Prerequisites (6)
- Proof of Employment
- Documentary evidence to show proof of employment of wiring installer (e.g. CPF statement) and a Telecommunication Wiring Installer Class Licence
- Proof of Business Ownership
- Documentary evidence to show proof of business ownership if applicant is both the owner and wiring installer (e.g. ACRA business profile) and a Telecommunication Wiring Installer Class Licence
- Letter of Authentication for Third Party
- Letter of Authentication for Third Party (if applicable)
The Info-communications Media Development Authority issues TV Receive-Only (TVRO) System Licences to organisations that need to access time sensitive information for business decisions or require TVRO systems for their business operations. These organisations include commercial institutions endorsed by the Economic Development Board (EDB) or Enterprise Singapore (ESG), foreign embassies endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), hotels endorsed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), foreign tertiary education institutions and international schools endorsed by EDB, and local tertiary education institutions. For more information please visit: https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/television-receive-only-satellite-receiving-system-licence
- Validity
- Refer to the table below for licence validity
- Processing
- within 15 working days for all completed applications
For establishing and providing Wide-Area Private Network services (such as the use of walkie-talkie services within a non-localised area), as well as the operation of high power radio communication equipment on an island-wide scale. For more information please visit: IMDA website
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing
- within 10 working days upon complete submission of information
Prerequisites (2)
- Purpose of proposed network and supporting documents
- Purpose of proposed network and supporting documents
Technical Trial (with use of Frequency)
For establishing and conducting a proof of concept using radio frequency on a temporary basis. For more information please visit: https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/technical-trial-permit
When: if using radio frequency for telecommunications purposes
- Validity
- Maximum 90 days
- Processing
- within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information
Prerequisites (3)
- Documents Needed
- Approval from Building owner if any
- Network configuration diagram or other relevant supporting documents
For exhibiting telecommunication equipment on a temporary basis for a period of not exceeding 90 days. For more information please visit: https://iris.imda.gov.sg/application/exhibition-of-telecommunication-equipment-perm
- Validity
- Maximum 6 months
- Processing
- Within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information
Prerequisites (2)
- Document Requirements
- A brief description on the intended use of frequency, the types of equipment to be exhibited and their functions.
Need help with these licences?
We handle the applications, document prep, and agency liaison end-to-end.
Licence requirements change — we keep this list current as part of the engagement.
Tax Incentives & Schemes
2 schemes that businesses in this SSIC code may qualify for. Eligibility is case-by-case — talk to the relevant authority.
Partial Tax Exemption (PTE)
Eligibility: Singapore tax-resident company.
Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE)
Eligibility: Newly incorporated SG-resident company, ≤ 20 individual shareholders (or one corporate holding ≥ 10%), not in investment-holding or property-development.
Note for SSIC : Excludes 64202 investment holding & 41001/68101 property development
Worth applying for any of these?
We screen eligibility and shape the application — most schemes are discretionary and need a substantive activity case.
Foreign Worker Levies
This SSIC code falls under MOM's Services sector for foreign-worker levy purposes. Levies below apply per worker per month, paid by the employer in addition to salary.
S Pass
| Tier | Monthly | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | SGD 550 | Up to 10% of total workforce |
Work Permit
| Tier | Monthly | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-skilled (Tier 1) | SGD 300 | Up to 10% |
| Basic (Tier 1) | SGD 450 | Up to 10% |
| Basic (Tier 2) | SGD 600 | 10–25% |
| Basic (Tier 3) | SGD 800 | >25% (up to DRC of 35%) |
Hiring foreign workers in this sector?
We handle Work Permit, S Pass, and EP applications alongside the incorporation — and check Dependency Ratio Ceilings before you commit headcount.
Levies and Dependency Ratio Ceilings are reviewed periodically by MOM (rates above effective 2024-09-01).
Classification Path
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