Singapore’s regulator alleges intentional unauthorised use of radio frequencies and deliberate failures to produce documents, with Simba’s response due by November 16.
Singapore mobile operator Simba faces possible fines, suspension or cancellation of its licence after the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) issued a notice setting out six regulatory allegations. The show-cause notice gives Simba an opportunity to respond before the regulator decides whether to take action.
Simba’s Australian parent Tuas disclosed the notice in an October 26, 2026 filing to the Australian Securities Exchange, CNA said. Tuas said no findings had been made or confirmed, and IMDA had not decided whether to take regulatory action or what form it might take.
The investigation was first disclosed in May, when IMDA suspended its review of Simba’s proposed S$1.43 billion acquisition of rival mobile operator M1. The regulator said the investigation’s findings could affect its assessment of the deal. The acquisition, which would have combined two of Singapore’s four mobile network operators, was subsequently terminated after its completion deadline passed.
Radio spectrum carries wireless communications, including mobile calls and data. IMDA authorises operators to use particular frequency bands under rules intended to prevent interference and keep services within their assigned rights. Dynamic spectrum sharing allows different mobile network generations, such as 4G and 5G, to use the same band.
| Frequency band | Alleged use | Sites and timing |
|---|
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| 2100 megahertz (MHz) | Dynamic spectrum sharing for both 4G and 5G, although authorisation covered only 5G | About 133 sites, intermittently in 2022 and 2023 |
| 2340–2360 MHz | Use without authorisation | About 92 sites, intermittently between 2023 and 2026 |
IMDA alleges that both instances of unauthorised spectrum use were intentional and approved by Simba’s senior management.
The regulator also alleges that Simba deployed indoor 5G radio network equipment at two locations in 2023 before receiving authorisation. Approval was granted on November 14 that year.
Separately, IMDA alleges that Simba deliberately failed to comply fully with an order to produce documents. The regulator also raised concerns about deficiencies in the company’s governance and compliance culture, which it considers should be addressed through additional regulatory obligations.
The possible financial penalty is up to 10 per cent of the annual turnover of the relevant part of Simba’s business or S$1 million, whichever is higher. Other measures under consideration include suspending or cancelling its spectrum rights or telecommunications licence, shortening the licence period, and imposing additional obligations to address governance deficiencies.
Tuas said Simba intends to respond to the show-cause notice. Simba has until November 16, 2026 to submit its response, while IMDA’s decision on whether to take action remains pending.
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