Simba Faces Potential Licence Loss Over Spectrum Misuse

Telecommunications operator Simba could face fines, suspension, or the cancellation of its operating licence following allegations of intentional spectrum misuse, according to details disclosed by its parent company, Tuas, on Monday, October 26, 2026. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has issued a show cause notice to the firm, citing six distinct allegations regarding regulatory compliance and governance.

Why it is trending now

The trend follows an escalation in regulatory scrutiny by the IMDA. The authority alleges that Simba's unauthorized use of radio frequency bands was intentional and had been approved by the company's senior management. Furthermore, the company is accused of failing to fully comply with a directive to produce internal documentation related to these activities.

Key facts

• The IMDA notice details six allegations, including unauthorized spectrum use and governance concerns, as reported by CNA.
• Simba has been accused of deploying dynamic spectrum-sharing to 133 sites between 2022 and 2023, improperly using the 2,100 MHz band for both 4G and 5G services, as noted by The Straits Times.
• The company has been granted until November 16, 2026, to provide a formal response to the IMDA, according to The Straits Times.
• Tuas, the Australian parent company of Simba, disclosed the notice in a filing to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on October 26, 2026.

Why this is trending in Singapore

The issue is of significant interest in Singapore as it involves a major mobile telecommunications provider and potential disruptions to local network services. Public interest is high due to the implications for the telco's ability to continue operations in the country.

Background and context

The scrutiny of Simba's spectrum usage is not new; issues regarding its unauthorized spectrum use were first disclosed in May. These regulatory challenges previously contributed to the collapse of a proposed $1.4 billion acquisition of the telco M1. Radio frequency spectrum represents the invisible airwaves that allow communication signals to travel, and operators are strictly limited to the frequencies assigned to them by the IMDA.

What happens next

Simba must respond to the show cause notice by the November 16 deadline. The IMDA will then evaluate the company's explanation to determine whether to impose fines, suspend operations, or revoke the firm's licence to operate in Singapore. As of October 26, 2026, the company has not confirmed its specific defense strategy.