UK-based pureLiFi is working with Singapore’s Infocomm Development Media Authority (IMDA) to conduct joint Li-Fi, or light fidelity, trials in the city-state.

Last month the IMDA took steps to facilitate trials of the emerging technology, which uses light to transmit data wirelessly, by removing some regulatory barriers, including waiving spectrum fees in the 400-800THz band. It also invited companies to participate in the planned trials.

pureLiFi, which was established in 2012, claims the trial will be a global first. The company received financial backing from state-investment firm Temasek Holdings in July.

pureLiFi CEO Alistair Banham said the step by IMDA could signal the start of new paradigm in the way the world overcomes the bandwidth crunch. “Li-Fi is a technology that will create new markets and merge two huge industries – lighting and communications. This will result not only in new far-reaching commercial opportunities but also enhance the way we live in this mobile and wireless world.”

According to pureLiFi, Li-Fi can turn every light in an office, home, car or even streetlight into a wireless internet access point. The company said Li-Fi technology offers high data rates, improved security, and a pathway to unlocking access to unprecedented bandwidth and data density.

The IMDA said in a statement that Li-Fi, operating at the higher range of the electro-magnetic spectrum, can deliver potentially higher capacity throughput of up to 1Gb/s while alleviating demand for radio spectrum.