OpenNet to be S'pore's next national broadband network
Fri, Sep 26, 2008
AsiaOne
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The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore has selected consortium OpenNet to provide passive fibre grid services for Singapore's Next Generation National Broadband Network, Minister of Information, Communication and the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang announced in a speech at the MICA building today.
OpenNet will complete the contracting process with the IDA as planned within the next seven months and expects that the Singapore-wide fibre grid will be completed by June 2012. When completed, it will provide Singapore with an open, better and faster fibre-to-the-home network. The company will offer wholesale prices of $15 per-month-per-residential end-user and $50 per-month-per-non-residential end-user. Current plans are to roll out the network beginning in 2009, achieving 60% roll out by December 31 2010, and 95% by June 30 2012.
The OpenNet estimates construction and commissioning costs to the tune of about S$1 billion and the consortium expects to spend S$1 billion to S$2 billion over the 25-year license period for access to infrastructure. Construction of the infrastructure will utilize existing underground ducts from SingTel as well as implementing measures to minimize traffic disruption and inconvenience to the public.
The OpenNet consortium is composed of Axia NetMedia Corporation (30%), Singapore Telecommunications Limited (30%), Singapore Press Holdings Limited (25%) and SP Telecommunications Pte Ltd (15%).
Mr. Allen Lew, SingTel's CEO Singapore, said: "We are pleased that OpenNet's proposal, which exceeds the requirements of the iN2015 blueprint in areas like design and timeline, has been recognised and accepted by IDA. The compelling proposal is a result of the strengths of each consortium partner, such as SingTel's extensive high-quality network of ducts, technical expertise and our considerable experience in deploying fibre in Singapore."
Mr. Alan Chan, CEO, SPH, said: "OpenNet's proposal will help realize Singapore's vision of being a next generation city. The NGNBN paves the way for an advanced broadband infrastructure, supporting seamless connectivity which will boost Singapore's competitiveness and attractiveness as a global business and infocomm hub. At the same time, Singapore will experience faster and better broadband access than ever before to harness the full power of the internet. SPH is indeed privileged and excited to be a member of the team that will deliver part of Singapore's visionary iN2015 project."
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OpenNet to be S'pore's next national broadband network
