Li-Fi trials in Singapore get government backing

Singapore is encouraging trials in the emerging Light-Fidelity (Li-Fi) technology field and exploring its potential benefits and applications. Li-Fi is communication technology based on light and has the potential to provide a new layer of wireless connectivity complementing heterogeneous radio frequency wireless networks.

Unlike traditional telecommunication devices that use radio frequency signals for data transmission, Li-Fi uses the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between 400 and 800THz. Operating at the higher range of the electromagnetic spectrum allows Li-Fi to deliver potentially higher capacity throughput of up to 1Gbps while alleviating demand for radio spectrum.

Singapore's IMDA notes that growing interest from both local and overseas companies to explore Li-Fi and a focus on IMDA’s goals of empowering possibilities through infocommunications media (ICM) in support of the Singapore Smart Nation vision, has led to the decision to waive frequency fees associated with Li-Fi trials in Singapore to encourage and facilitate technical trials of this technology within the nation with immediate effect.

In July 2016, Temasek invested in pureLiFi, an Edinburgh-based telecommunications company, to support the development of the firm’s technology. In addition, companies such as StarHub are also working with pureLiFi to explore the possibility of conducting Li-Fi trials here. Such collaborations will open up more opportunities for Li-Fi adoption in Singapore and Singapore's IMDA hopes to see more of such joint-industry trials here, the agency said.

Li-Fi applications are varied, leveraging its directional lighting, intrinsic security, high data rate and integrated networking capabilities. Some of the key applications using Li-Fi technology include:

• Home and enterprise networking: Li-Fi networks can be deployed to complement existing mobile and Wi-Fi networks, providing an additional boost in the capacity.
• Location-based services: Li-Fi opens up advertising and navigational opportunities for businesses, where users of Li-Fi enabled mobile devices can receive relevant information based on their locations.

Interested?

Companies that are interested in conducting Li-Fi trials may utilise the existing IMDA’s Technical Trial framework*. Application for a Technical Trial licence can be found on the IMDA website.

*IMDA’s Technical Trial Framework defines license conditions such as the frequency range, maximum power levels, and compliance with industry standard protocols for use in Singapore.

posted from Bloggeroid