Singapore’s SIMBA Telecom could lose its operating licence after regulators alleged that senior management approved the unauthorised use of mobile network frequencies.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) issued a notice to show cause on October 23, according to an October 26 disclosure by SIMBA’s Australian parent, Tuas Limited. Possible sanctions include fines, restrictions on spectrum rights, and suspension or cancellation of the company’s telecommunications licence.
No suspension or service shutdown has been ordered. SIMBA has until November 16, 2026, to respond, leaving subscribers and businesses awaiting the regulator’s next decision.
Alleged spectrum breaches put SIMBA’s licence at risk
The October 26 disclosure details six allegations involving unauthorised spectrum use, equipment deployment and regulatory compliance.
At approximately 133 sites, SIMBA allegedly used dynamic spectrum sharing intermittently during 2022 and 2023. This allowed the 2,100 MHz band to support both 4G and 5G, despite authorisation for 5G use only.
IMDA also alleges that SIMBA used the 2,340–2,360 MHz band without permission at approximately 92 sites between 2023 and 2026. The regulator says both practices were intentional and approved by senior management.
Other allegations include installing indoor 5G equipment at two locations before regulatory approval, deliberately failing to provide required documents, and deficiencies in governance and compliance.
Singapore requires mobile operators to use assigned frequencies. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) warned in a July 7 parliamentary response that unauthorised spectrum use can interfere with other services and create unfair competitive advantages. Neither consequence has been established in this case.
Spectrum permissions also govern future network deployments. Vietnam’s early 6G development work shows how operators across Southeast Asia are preparing for new wireless technologies under evolving national standards.
IMDA could suspend spectrum rights, shorten SIMBA’s licence period or impose additional compliance requirements. Financial penalties could reach 10% of annual turnover for the relevant business or S$1 million, whichever is higher.
The investigation became public in May 2026, preceding the collapse of SIMBA’s proposed S$1.43 billion acquisition of rival M1. In September, Tuas acknowledged unauthorised spectrum use, attributing it to hardware and software issues. No final enforcement decision has been announced.
No service shutdown ordered as SIMBA prepares its response
SIMBA subscribers have not been instructed to change providers or transfer their numbers. No customer migration plan or service shutdown has been announced.
In July, MDDI said IMDA would ensure SIMBA continued meeting its licence obligations and service commitments during the investigation. The statement does not establish what would happen if regulators subsequently restricted its operating permissions.
Singapore’s telecom oversight also includes mandatory SIM registration and identity verification, although those safeguards are separate from the spectrum allegations involving SIMBA.
Businesses relying on SIMBA for connectivity, authentication or critical communications can review backup arrangements and carrier dependencies. Research into rising infrastructure outage costs highlights the financial risks associated with external service failures.
SIMBA must respond to IMDA by November 16, 2026, but the regulator has not announced when it will decide on penalties. Customers have not been instructed to take action, while businesses dependent on its network can review alternative connectivity arrangements.
Read more: A major Telstra network outage in Australia disrupted mobile communications, payments and transport services, illustrating how telecommunications failures can affect essential business operations.