Section 29(3)(a) of the Telecommunications Act (Cap. 323) ("Telecoms Act") requires contractors who carry out earthworks ("Earthworks Contractors") to comply with all reasonable requirements of telecommunication system licensees for the prevention of damage to telecommunication cables.

With effect from 1st June 2019, Notification of Earthworks to Licensee must comply to IMDA’s directive on earthworks requirement, the document sets out the minimum requirements of Australia-Singapore Cable (Singapore) Pte Ltd (the "Licensee") that must be complied with by Earthworks Contractors for the purposes of Section 29(3)(a) of the Telecoms Act.

The objective is to prevent damages to the underground telecommunication cables which cause disruption to telecommunication services by earthwork contractors.