MDDI's Response to PQ on Assurances That Singtel's Singapore Operations Are Not Exposed to Systemic Risks from Procedural Lapses

Parliament Sitting on 14 October 2025

Question to oral answer

*38. Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information following the major network failure at Singtel's Australian subsidiary Optus (a) what assurances has the Government sought from Singtel that its Singapore operations are not exposed to similar systemic risks from procedural lapses, especially with regard to contacting emergency services; and (b) whether the Ministry is satisfied that our critical telecommunications infrastructure remains resilient.

Answer

Singapore’s 999 or 995 emergency calls are designed and set up differently than the 000 service in Australia. We thus do not experience the same challenges. We take the continued availability of our telecommunication networks very seriously. Telecommunications service providers must meet resilience requirements. These include meeting minimum coverage and Quality of Service (QoS) standards, and conducting regular audits. Should a disruption occur, they are expected to expeditiously restore network services and undertake rectification measures to prevent re-occurrence. The incidents will also be investigated, and firm enforcement action will be taken where necessary.

*Converted to written answer