Singapore’s three mobile operators and ISP MyRepublic are planning hetnet (heterogeneous network) trials in the third quarter in parts of the city to evaluate their effectiveness in relieving congestion.

Hetnets in theory enable users to move between various wireless technologies (3G, 4G and WiFi) as well as rival networks during peak demand.

The trials will run until the end of the year and are part of the government’s plan to maximise use of wireless spectrum, the Straits Times reported.

The Times quoted IDA assistant CEO Khoong Hock Yun as saying: “We want to see how we can be better prepared to have everyone connect everywhere all the time.”

M1, SingTel, StarHub and MyRepublic will conduct the trials in Jurong Lake district and will cover the MRT station, bus interchange, pedestrian walkways and lifts in the area.

But the trial won’t include inter-operator cellular roaming since a “robust commercial framework” for pricing hasn’t been worked out, Khoong said. He added that the IDA is counting on the industry to work that out soon.

MyRepublic announced last year it plans to bid for the country’s fourth mobile licence next year and has been raising funds.