Debated in Parliament on 2 Apr 2024.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) what are the quantitative and qualitative Universal Service Obligations set by IMDA for SingPost, including the provision and maintenance of posting boxes and post offices throughout Singapore; and (b) following SingPost's completion of its strategic review, whether IMDA's Universal Service Obligations and Quality of Service standards are expected to be lowered.
As the Public Postal Licensee, SingPost is required to deliver letters to every addressable place in Singapore, provide and maintain a network of posting boxes and post offices to serve postal needs and meet the Quality of Service (QoS) standards for letter delivery.
These obligations and standards have not changed as a result of SingPost's strategic review of its business. SingPost must continue to provide sufficient postal services through its network of postal touchpoints and postal agents. However, as I explained in previous Parliamentary Questions' responses, IMDA is working with SingPost to review the existing requirements for post offices and posting boxes as it transforms. [Please refer to "Increase in Postal Rates despite Profitability Recorded by SingPost", Official Report, 4 October 2023, Vol 95, Issue 114, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
In doing so, we will (i) take into account the adequacy of SingPost's plans for alternative touchpoints and service models, and (ii) ensure that regulatory requirements are relevant in the context of the changing post and parcel landscape. We will share more details in due course.
PAPERCUTS