Overview
MDA has adopted a flexible two-tier commercial licence framework that distinguishes between service providers targeting specific niche market segments from large mass market service providers. Trial licences will also be available for service providers who wish to conduct technical and marketing trials.
Types of Licences
Applicants interested in providing IPTV services in Singapore can apply for the one of the following:
· Niche Subscription TV Licence
· Nationwide Subscription TV Licence
· Temporary Subscription TV Licence
Who is this for?
Niche and Nationwide TV Licence:
MDA will not pre-determine the number of Niche, Nationwide and Trial Subscription TV Licence to be issued. Applicants are free to decide which licence tier it wishes to operate under.
To distinguish between a Niche and Nationwide TV Licence, MDA will use the number of subscribers/viewers as a primary criterion. This will be set at 100,000 subscribers and /or viewers. Service providers targeting not more than 100,000 subscribers and /or viewers may operate under the Niche Licence.
To provide greater flexibility, if a Niche player grows beyond 100,000 subscribers and /or viewers, a list of secondary criteria will then be taken into consideration to assess if such a service can still qualify as Niche. The secondary criteria include:
· Location – whether the service is offered chiefly to specific non-residential locations in Singapore
· Language – whether there is a high percentage of foreign language content
· Reach and impact of the channels
The second level criteria will give service providers targeting niche market segments that are currently not well served by existing mass market TV service providers – such as the expatriate community and hotels – more flexibility to grow their business and improve their business.
For more information on the Key Conditions for Niche and Nationwide TV Licences, please visit here.
Temporary Subscription TV Licence:
This is for those who wish to conduct marketing or technical trials prior to the commercial launch of their IPTV service. The licence is valid for a period of six months.
For further information on TV policies, please refer to the following link here.
Fees
For Niche Subscription TV Licence:
The licence fee will be 2.5% of total revenue. A minimum licence fee of $5,000 per annum will be applicable throughout. New service licensees may enjoy a concessionary rate of 0.5% of total revenue or $5,000, whichever is the higher amount in the first three years of the licence duration.
For Nationwide Sibscription TV Licence:
The licence fee will be 2.5% of total revenue. A minimum licence fee of $50,000 per annum will be applicable throughout. New service licensees may enjoy a concessionary rate of 0.5% of total revenue or $50,000, whichever is the higher amount in the first three years of the licence duration.
Temporary Subscription TV Licence:
A licence fee of $2,500 is required.
No performance bond needed.
How to Apply
Interested parties should submit in their application to MDA at the following address:
The Media Development Authority
New Media Policy / Media Policy Division
3 Fusionopolis Way
#16-22 Symbiosis
Singapore 138633
Fax: (65) 6577 3888
In their submission, applicants should indicate which of the three licences it is applying for, and to include all the basic information requested for in the Information for Licence Application.
Any enquiries concerning the licence application process are welcome. Please write in to mda_input@mda.gov.sg.
Other Requirements
For Niche TV Subscription Licence:
A performance bond of $50,000 is required – in the form of either a banker’s guarantee or cash
For Nationalwide Subscription TV Licence:
A performance bond of $200,000 is required – in the form of either a banker’s guarantee or cash.