As Singapore progresses towards achieving our goal of becoming a Smart Nation, the importance of the quality, reach and robustness of our internet connection cannot be understated. Given Singapore’s size and level of technological advancement, it is easy to assume that we enjoy extensive network coverage across the island. However, how about the parts of Singapore that are not on the main island?
In fact, Singapore is also made up of numerous offshore islands that, due to geographical and pragmatic reasons, do not enjoy the same extensive network coverage as the rest of Singapore.
Although these islands are some distance away from the mainland, the importance of connectivity to these islands cannot be overlooked. Ms Thong Wai Lin, Assistant Chief Executive (Land Operations) of the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), says: “SLA manages some 11,000ha of State land and uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) applications for more efficient and effective management of State land. However, intermittent and poor connectivity in the Southern Islands has hampered the deployment of such technology.”
To improve the situation, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is currently conducting trials to provide low-cost, reliable and long-range wireless connectivity for data transmission using a broadcast band known as TV White Space (TVWS). The test, which is conducted on five southern islands – St John’s Island, Kusu Island, Kias Island, Pulau Seringat and Pulau Hantu Besar – is part of the Smart Nation Sensor Platform project, an initiative which aims to enable everyone and everything, everywhere, to be connected all the time.
TVWS, which is commonly used for broadcasting analogue signals, was chosen as it is more resistant to physical externalities – an important factor especially in an island setting, where signals may be disrupted by anything from sea waves and weather conditions to obstacles such as passing ships. However, just how robust is it?
with TVWS connectivity, will also distinguish
Singapore as the first country in the region to do so
In the trial, agencies will work with a Singapore start-up, Whizpace, to explore the use of TVWS connectivity to support sensor and IoT deployments on these Southern Islands. TVWS will be used to provide long-distance wireless connectivity across the sea and to various islands that could be as far as 10km away. At the same time, IoT will be used to connect and control UAVs, with the quality of the video data that will be transmitted from UAV flights in near real-time circumstances being observed as the robustness of the connection is monitored and studied. Coincidentally, this trial distinguishes Singapore as the first country in the region to test drone flights with TVWS connectivity!
signals, TVWS was chosen as it is more
resistant to physical externalities
Besides facilitating island maintenance and inspections, TVWS could also potentially provide internet network connectivity, and thus a more pleasurable experience, for visitors to popular Southern Islands such as St John’s Island and Kusu Island.
As a radio spectrum in TV broadcast bands, TVWS is not widely used in Singapore. However, the success of the trial may just change the way we perceive and utilise it. Lim Chinn Hwa, Senior Director (Smart Nation Platform Solutions) of GovTech, says: “TVWS can potentially be an affordable and reliable solution. Through this trial, we hope to show how the Public Service is always innovating to serve citizens and businesses better through technology.”
Images by GovTech