TELECOMMUNICATION AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (Publicity of rationale for policy decisions)

Mr Chng Hee Kok asked the Minister for Communications and Information Technology if the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore will make public its rationale for its policy decisions so as to improve the development of the communications industry.

The Minister for Communications and Information Technology (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS) has taken various steps to publicise the rationale for its policy decisions. For example, it has publicly explained its key policy decisions through press releases. Policy papers are also posted regularly on the TAS web-site. In addition, TAS has disseminated such information through its quarterly magazine VISTAS, which is freely distributed and is also on the TAS web-site.

TAS recognises that the telecommunications industry is driven by rapid technological advances and changes in business environment. Industry consultation is thus important. In line with this, TAS has recently launched a quarterly info-communications industry forum.

Such forums enable TAS to obtain views and feedback on key evolving issues before policies are finalised. In addition, TAS has sent draft policy proposals, where appropriate, to key industry players to seek feedback prior to implementation. This approach will lead to more appropriate and robust policies, and help the industry and the public to better understand the basis and rationale behind the policy decisions.

Nonetheless, in the continuing liberalisation of the telecommunications industry, it is inevitable that tough decisions will have to be made from time to time. These decisions may not always be favourable to all the operators. What is important for TAS is to ensure fair and sustainable competition within the industry, as well as safeguard consumer interests.

Looking ahead, as fair and market-driven competition develops in the telecommunications industry, TAS will be able to regulate with a lighter touch. This will allow more freedom for telecommunications operators to innovate and compete in a liberalised environment.

Mr Chng Hee Kok: Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister say that he is satisfied with the performance of TAS despite the comments made by the chiefs of Singapore Telecoms and Pacific Internet?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, as I have mentioned just now, tough decisions have to be made and inevitably when tough decisions have to be made, those who benefit will be very happy, but quietly happy. While those who have been adversely impacted will, of course, have to make their objections heard very loudly. This is what we are seeing.