SINGAPORE - Two telcos here have been slapped with fines totalling $610,000 for causing internet service disruptions during the circuit breaker period which affected many Singaporeans working from home or attending home-based learning.
"In determining the final penalty quantum for each incident, IMDA took into consideration relevant factors such as the duration, impact, and customer service measures adopted by the operators to mitigate impact," IMDA said. In deciding the $210,000 penalty, IMDA had considered StarHub's efforts to quickly restore services and its prompt communication and compensation to affected subscribers.
In its investigations, IMDA said the first incident occurred because M1's staff and vendor had not followed prescribed procedures, but added that the telco could not have reasonably foreseen or prevented the second incident as it was the"first of its kind" for such equipment.