INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)Required to operate

Subscription International Television Service Licence

The Subscription International Television Service Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for broadcast companies to transmit TV services from Singapore to the region via satellite or fibre. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed within 20 working days if the application is complete.

Validity
5 years
Processing time
within 20 working days if application is completed
Issuing authority
INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)

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Who needs the Subscription International Television Service Licence

This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:

What's involved in getting the Subscription International Television Service 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 Subscription International Television Service Licence enables broadcast companies to transmit their television services from Singapore to various regions using satellite or fibre technology. This licence is essential for companies looking to expand their broadcasting reach beyond Singapore.

What must be in place before the licence can be granted

Before the licence can be granted, several conditions must be met. A comprehensive Business Profile Report is required, detailing the company's registered address, paid-up share capital, shareholders, and directors. Additionally, a brief background of the company and its management team must be provided. The report is only valid for three months from the application date, so timely preparation is crucial. Furthermore, the application must include an estimation of the market size and share for each target market, as well as a list of shareholders holding more than 5% of the shares. The company must also adhere to specific programme codes or standards and submit programme schedules along with URLs or sample reels of the programmes, which should include a variety of content types.

How the agency reviews and decides

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reviews the application by assessing the completeness of the submitted documentation and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The agency may also evaluate the proposed satellite coverage and uplink capabilities to ensure that the broadcasting service can be effectively delivered to the target regions.

Common reasons applications stall

Applications for the Subscription International Television Service Licence can stall for various reasons. Incomplete documentation, such as missing elements in the Business Profile Report or insufficient details about the proposed programming, can lead to delays. Additionally, discrepancies in the estimated market size or shareholder information may raise concerns during the review process. Ensuring that all requirements are meticulously addressed can help prevent these common pitfalls.

Required documents and prerequisites

Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:

  • A brief background of the Company
  • A brief background of the Organisation, including its equity and the profile of the management team.
  • Business Profile Report
  • This should show your business':
  • Registered address
  • Paid-up share capital
  • Shareholders
  • Directors
  • The report is only valid three months from the application date.
  • Estimated market size and share for each target market
  • Estimated market size and share for each target market
  • List of shareholders holding more than 5% shares
  • List of shareholders who are holding more than 5% shares of the organisation.
  • Programme Code or Standards
  • Programme and Advertising Code or Standards
  • Programme Schedules
  • URL(s)/Sample reel(s) of the programmes and programme schedules. 
  • The reel(s) should be two to three hours in length, with 15-minute excerpts of the different programmes available on the channel(s) e.g. movies, news, current affairs, talk shows, game shows, children’s variety and dramas.
  • Satellite Coverage
  • Satellite Coverage of Uplink

Subscription International Television Service Licence FAQ

Do I need this licence to start operating?

Yes, the Subscription International Television Service Licence is essential for any broadcast company intending to transmit television services from Singapore to other regions. Without this licence, operating such services would be illegal.

What can my business do once licensed?

Once licensed, your business can legally transmit television services from Singapore to various regions via satellite or fibre. This opens up opportunities for reaching a broader audience and expanding your market presence.

What happens if I operate without it?

Operating without the Subscription International Television Service Licence can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines and the potential shutdown of your broadcasting operations. Compliance with licensing regulations is crucial for the sustainability of your business.

What's the most common reason applications get rejected?

The most common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, such as missing elements in the Business Profile Report or insufficient details about the proposed programming. Ensuring that all required information is accurately provided can help mitigate this risk.

Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?

Yes, foreign-owned companies can apply for the Subscription International Television Service Licence in Singapore, provided they meet all the necessary requirements and conditions set by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

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