Experimental Station Licence
The Experimental Station Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for conducting research and development activities, testing, experiments, or demonstrations in radiocommunication using radiocommunication equipment. The licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information.
- Validity
- 1 year
- Processing time
- within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information
- Issuing authority
- INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)
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Who needs the Experimental Station Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
- Required to operateDivision 72 — SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Includes: 72101 Research and experimental development on biotechnology (except medical and veterinary science), 72102 Research and experimental development on electronics (except medical and veterinary science), 72103 Research and experimental development on chemicals (except medical and veterinary science), 72104 Research and experimental development on engineering
What's involved in getting the Experimental Station Licence
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Experimental Station Licence enables businesses to conduct research and development activities, testing, experiments, or demonstrations in the field of radiocommunication. This is crucial for companies looking to innovate or test new technologies involving radiocommunication equipment.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the licence can be granted, the business must have a clear purpose for the proposed network, along with supporting documents that outline the intended research or testing activities. These documents are essential for demonstrating the legitimacy and scope of the proposed work.
How the agency reviews and decides
The IMDA reviews the application by assessing the submitted purpose and supporting documents. The agency may require additional information to ensure that the proposed activities align with regulatory standards and safety protocols. Once all necessary information is provided, the agency typically processes the application within 10 working days.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Experimental Station Licence can stall for several reasons. Common issues include incomplete documentation, such as missing supporting documents that detail the purpose of the proposed network. Additionally, if the proposed activities do not align with regulatory requirements or safety standards, this can lead to delays or rejections. Ensuring that all documentation is thorough and accurately reflects the intended activities is crucial to avoid these pitfalls.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Purpose of proposed network and supporting documents
- Purpose of proposed network and supporting documents
Experimental Station Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, if your business intends to conduct research and development activities, testing, experiments, or demonstrations in radiocommunication, obtaining the Experimental Station Licence is essential before commencing operations.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can engage in various activities related to radiocommunication, including research and development, testing new technologies, and conducting experiments or demonstrations using radiocommunication equipment.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Experimental Station Licence can lead to regulatory penalties, including fines or cessation of activities. It is crucial to secure the licence to ensure compliance with Singapore's regulations on radiocommunication.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation. Applications lacking the necessary supporting documents that clearly outline the purpose of the proposed network often face delays or denials.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Experimental Station Licence in Singapore, provided they meet the necessary requirements and submit the appropriate documentation.
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Other IMDA licences
Aircraft Station Licence
The Aircraft Station Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for the installation and operation of radio communication equipment on board Singapore registered aircraft. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately upon payment.
Arts Entertainment Licence
The Arts Entertainment Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for conducting various forms of arts entertainment in Singapore, including plays, concerts, and exhibitions. The licence is valid for specified dates and processing typically takes 20 working days from receipt of complete information.
Computer Online Service Licence
The Computer Online Service Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for online news websites in Singapore that report on local news and current affairs and meet specific traffic criteria. Validity is agency-confirmed, with processing times available on the agency's website.
Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER)
The Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER) is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for specific short range and low power devices in Singapore, including wireless microphones and telecommand systems. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment using radio frequency in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 90 days, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon submission of all required information.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 6 months, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon complete submission of all required information.