Singapore’s mobile phone carriers are being asked to take a step toward introducing fifth-generation wireless services as early as next year as the government plans to allocate spectrum for at least two networks. 

The city-state’s telecom regulator will request proposals from the companies, which include Singapore Telecommunications Ltd and StarHub Ltd, later this year, the Infocomm Media Development Authority said in a statement on May 7. The authority also asked for comments from the industry and public May 7 to June 19 on plans for regulation of the new network.