Rent-free spaces for telecoms equipment to be mandated under proposed revisions to IMDA building code

SINGAPORE - Rent-free space for telecoms equipment on building rooftops must be determined before construction begins under proposed revisions to a building code.

This could pave the way for a connected future of autonomous vehicles and robots.

The proposed revisions to the Code of Practice for Info-communication Facilities in Buildings (COPIF) could also require builders to incorporate telecommunications risers and cable trays in basement one carparks to boost mobile signals.

Telecoms risers are vertical shafts that house and protect cables running between floors, while cable trays are metal structures mounted on ceilings to hold and route cables in the basement.

“IMDA intends to amend the current edition of COPIF to further facilitate deployment and upgrading of fixed-line and mobile network infrastructure, to ensure Singapore is future-ready for seamless connectivity,” said the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which is conducting a public consultation on the proposals.

IMDA wants telcos and building owners to determine the location of such rent-free spaces before the building is actually constructed, similar to how drainage, sanitary and water pipes, and electrical wiring are determined way ahead of construction.

“It is important for mobile services to be available when the residents and tenants move into their new homes,” it added.

The Straits Times understands that the proposed changes are expected to be rolled out in 2027. The IMDA consultation will conclude on May 18.

The code, which came into effect in September 2000, was last reviewed in 2018. It ensures that building owners provide enough space and facilities to deploy fixed-line and mobile network equipment.

For example, building owners, including those managing condominiums, offices and commercial developments, must set aside a minimum amount of rooftop space rent-free for mobile network equipment. This is based on the size of the development.

Currently, building owners are required to set aside this space only when a telco approaches them. In many instances, it is too late when telcos approach the building owners to negotiate the rent-free space for their equipment.

ST understands that there were instances where the limited rooftop space was already used for gardens, barbecue pits, solar panels or swimming pools. This resulted in disagreements and delayed telco deployment.

IMDA said getting telcos and building owners to identify locations upfront will reduce costly retrofitting and speed up mobile deployment.

Building owners will be responsible for reserving the space and incorporating it into development plans, while telcos will deploy their equipment at the designated sites.

IMDA pointed out that residents and tenants of a new development need reliable mobile connectivity even before they move in, including for coordinating with movers and contractors, managing food or e-commerce deliveries, and staying contactable.

New measures to improve mobile coverage in basement one carparks come as IMDA has received increasing feedback on weak mobile coverage in them.

“(This causes) inconvenience to the residents or tenants’ daily lives, such as inability to communicate with ride-hailing drivers on pick-up or drop-off location, delays in food/parcel deliveries, inability to make emergency calls, among others,” said IMDA.

Currently, if there is no residential or commercial unit in the basement of a development, the building owner is not required to provide facilities such as telecoms risers and cable trays at that level.

Today, as telcos are required to ensure at least 85 per cent coverage within buildings, including basement one carparks, they often need to engage constructors to drill holes between floors and extend telecommunications cables for mobile coverage at basement one.

This is often done after buildings have already been occupied, resulting in disturbance to residents and delays in deployment.

Incorporating telecoms risers and cable trays in basement one as part of building plans will minimise extensive installation works and speed up the provisioning of connectivity.

IMDA’s consultation paper also includes a proposal to allow telcos to mount mobile equipment on lamp posts rent-free. This could be for future applications such as autonomous vehicles and delivery robots’ navigation.

Lamp posts are useful in places where tall buildings are scarce, such as East Coast Park, highways and landed estates.

ST understands that telcos currently negotiate ad hoc arrangements, and may need to pay a fee to lamp post owners – including the Land Transport Authority, National Parks Board, JTC Corporation, town councils or private developers – to mount their equipment.

The proposed change to COPIF will align lamp post use with rooftop requirements, which mandate that space be set aside for network equipment on a rent-free basis.

IMDA said that telcos will be required to ensure that their mobile installations do not compromise the structural integrity of the lamp posts, and that they bear the costs of installation and utility.