Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) has submitted its bid to the government of Singapore to design, build and operate the active infrastructure of Singapore's Next Generation National Broadband Network. According the RFP, if chosen SingTel would serve as the Operating Company (OpCo).
SingTel said that given its strong cashflow it does not expect to tap the financial market for additional funds should it be appointed as the OpCo.
"We fully support the Government's iN2015 blueprint to transform Singapore into one of the world's most connected cities with pervasive ultra-fast fibre-based broadband network access. We believe that our proposal will enable the flourishing of a vibrant community of retail service providers in Singapore and consumers can look forward to feature-rich applications and services at home and work -- at speeds of up to 1Gbps -- that will enrich their lives and allow them to be more productive. The way we live, work and play will not be the same going forward," stated Mr. Mark Chong Chin Kok, SingTel's Executive Vice President of Networks.http://www.singtel.com
- In September 2008, The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)
has selected the OpenNet consortium as its successful Network Company (NetCo). OpenNet will be contracted to provide passive fibre grid services for Singapore's Next Generation National Broadband Network (NGNBN). OpenNet will be making use of existing ducts and other underlying infrastructure, thereby minimizing disruption to the public and enabling the network to reach homes and buildings nationwide by 2012.
The OpenNet consortium consists of Axia-Netmedia (30%), Singapore Telecommunications (30%), Singapore Press Holdings (25%) and SP Telecommunications Pte Ltd (15%).
OpenNet expects to complete the agreement contracting process with the IDA as planned within the next seven months and expects that the Singapore-wide fiber grid will be completed by June 2012. This fiber grid will be made available on equal terms at very compelling prices to any parties qualified by the IDA.
Art Price, Chairman and CEO, Axia NetMedia, said: "OpenNet's approach is future-proof with no compromises from either the technology or business structure perspectives for the passive segment of the network. I believe that Singapore will be the showcase for how compelling the no-conflict open access fibre-to-the-premise solution can be for end-users in metropolitan communities."
A key component of the solution involves OpenNet acquiring access to existing infrastructure through usage fees that vary
with the market adoption of OpenNet's services.
This is the first part of IDA's competitive RFP process for a complete Next Generation National Broadband Network. The second part is the provision of active broadband services over the fiber grid.
