Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence
The Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in Singapore for businesses leasing telecommunication network elements from licensed Facilities-Based Operators (FBOs) to provide or resell telecommunication services. This licence has no expiry and processing typically takes 8 working days for manual approval if not auto-approved.
- Validity
- No expiry
- Processing time
- 8 working days for manual approval if not Auto Approved
- Issuing authority
- INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)
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Who needs the Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence enables businesses to lease telecommunication network elements from licensed Facilities-Based Operators (FBOs) in Singapore. This allows them to provide their own telecommunication services or resell the services of FBOs or other Services-Based Operations (SBOs) to third parties.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, several conditions must be met. Businesses must prepare a comprehensive documentation package that includes a detailed description of each service they intend to offer, including the scope and type of services. Additionally, the latest ACRA Bizfile is required to confirm the business's registration status. A system or network configuration diagram must also be provided to illustrate how the telecommunication services will be structured and delivered.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reviews the application to ensure that all required documentation is complete and meets regulatory standards. If the application is not auto-approved, the agency typically processes it within 8 working days, during which they may assess the proposed services and the business's compliance with relevant regulations.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence may stall for several reasons. Incomplete documentation is a frequent issue, particularly if the description of services lacks clarity or detail. Additionally, if the system/network configuration diagram does not adequately represent the proposed operations, this can lead to delays. Ensuring that all documentation is thorough and accurately reflects the business's intentions can help prevent these common pitfalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Documents Needed
- Description of each service (Including scope and type)
- Latest ACRA Bizfile
- System/Network Configuration Diagram
Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, if your business intends to lease telecommunication network elements from licensed Facilities-Based Operators (FBOs) to provide or resell telecommunication services, obtaining the Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence is essential for legal compliance in Singapore.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally lease telecommunication network elements from FBOs and provide its own telecommunication services or resell these services to third parties, expanding your service offerings in the telecommunications market.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence can lead to legal repercussions, including fines and penalties from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). It is crucial to ensure compliance to avoid potential disruptions to your business operations.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence is a separate process from incorporating your company. It is advisable to have your business incorporated first, as the licence application will require documentation that confirms your business's legal status.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection of applications for the Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence is incomplete documentation. Ensuring that all required documents, such as the service descriptions and system/network configuration diagrams, are thorough and accurate is essential for a successful application.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Services-Based Operations (Class) Licence in Singapore, provided it meets all regulatory requirements set by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and submits the necessary documentation.
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Other IMDA licences
Aircraft Station Licence
The Aircraft Station Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for the installation and operation of radio communication equipment on board Singapore registered aircraft. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately upon payment.
Arts Entertainment Licence
The Arts Entertainment Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for conducting various forms of arts entertainment in Singapore, including plays, concerts, and exhibitions. The licence is valid for specified dates and processing typically takes 20 working days from receipt of complete information.
Computer Online Service Licence
The Computer Online Service Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for online news websites in Singapore that report on local news and current affairs and meet specific traffic criteria. Validity is agency-confirmed, with processing times available on the agency's website.
Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER)
The Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER) is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for specific short range and low power devices in Singapore, including wireless microphones and telecommand systems. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment using radio frequency in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 90 days, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon submission of all required information.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 6 months, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon complete submission of all required information.