Singapore's Optical Coverage Hits 60%

Singapore is making progress with its Next Generation National Broadband Network. OpenNet, which is the consortium selected to build and operate the passive fibre infrastructure, reported that 60% of buildings in Singapore are now directly connected to the optical network.




OpenNet began the fibre rollout in 2009. The rollout is on schedule and is expected to achieve the target of 95% total coverage by middle of 2012. OpenNet is a joint venture between four partners -- Axia NetMedia (Axia), Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel), Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and SP Telecommunications (SPT).



Singapore's Next Gen Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN) officially began commercial operations in August 2010.



OpenNet's charter is to provide a competitive, yet neutral, level playing field environment for all downstream operators, enabling the delivery of rich content and ultra-high speeds of 1Gbps and above per end user.



Nucleus Connect, which is responsible for designing, building and operating the active portion of Singapore's NGNBN, announced the first five Retail Service Providers (RSPs) who will go live on the network: LGA, M1, Singtel, StarHub and SuperInternet. Nucleus Connect is installing GPON and Optical Ethernet equipment for the last mile connection. The company said businesses and home owners can look forward to pervasive, competitively priced, broadband speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Some of the initial services expected from these RSPs include ultra-speed Internet access, IPTV, HD video surveillance and HD digital signage applications.http://www.opennet.com.sg