As fibre optics-based broadband is a relatively new topic in Singapore, many premise owners will naturally have questions about getting started.
View a video on What Is Optical Fibre
We have compiled a set of commonly asked questions for your convenience. If you have further inquiries, we would love to hear from you. Contact Us or post a related question using the form at the end of each of the above-mentioned pages. We’ll try to consolidate them into our FAQs from time-to-time.
Peruse through the list of prepared questions and answers for each of the following:
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What is the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN)?
The Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) is the wired network of the Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure (Next Gen NII), a project under the Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) masterplan to transform Singapore into an intelligent nation and global city, powered by Infocomm.
It will entrench Singapore’s infocomm hub status and open doors to new economic opportunities, business growth and social vibrancy for the country. It is envisioned that Next Gen NBN will be open access and will eventually provide nation-wide ultra-high speed broadband access of more than 1Gbps and more to all physical addresses in Singapore, including homes, schools, Government buildings, businesses and hospitals. At the start of its operations, the Next Gen NBN is expected to offer users broadband speeds of at least 1Gbps.
In the near future, there will be a myriad of services riding on the Next Gen NBN that will empower business users at the workplace, as well as users in homes and at learning institutions.
The Next Gen NBN is structured into 3 layers, the Network Company (“NetCo”), the Operating Company (“OpCo”) and Retail Service Providers (“RSPs”). The NetCo will lay the passive network infrastructure, while the OpCo will operate the active electronics to provide bandwidth services to the RSPs which, in turn, will provide retail services to end-consumers.
Next Gen NBN Industry Layers
During 2 separate Requests-for-Proposals (“RFPs”), IDA has selected OpenNet Pte Ltd (“OpenNet”) as the NetCo in September 2008 and Nucleus Connect Pte Ltd (“Nucleus Connect”) as the OpCo in April 2009.
What are the benefits of Next Gen NBN?
Benefits End-Consumers can look forward to
Who is OpenNet?
Leveraging SingTel’s existing extensive high-quality ducting network, OpenNet will turn it into an ultra-fast broadband network serving the nation with almost 100% coverage by 2012, , at least two years ahead of IDA’s initial schedule.
Sixty percent of households and buildings will get wired up by 2010, with 95 percent coverage expected by 2012. From 2013, OpenNet will meet all reasonable requests to install fibre access points in homes, offices and buildings throughout Singapore.
Being the key operator that will lay the foundation of the Next Gen NBN, OpenNet is committed to deliver a resilient fibre network that is truly open, better and faster.
Why fibre optics?
Therefore, fibre optics will be able to support the delivery of a greater variety of services such as HD video and 1Gbps bandwidth services.
An example of fibre optics cable
When will the Next Gen NBN reach me?
For Non-Residential Buildings, OpenNet will rollout to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) room or Telecommunication Equipment Room (TER) of the non-residential postal address.
Example of non-residential deployments
Does OpenNet provide warranty for points installed? Are there any charges for repair of faulty points?
What do I need to take note of in terms of care and maintenance for the fibre installation?
All appliances mentioned here should not be exposed to water (dripping or splashing) and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on the apparatus. You are advised to refrain from looking directly into the fibre or the fibre port.
Don’t(s) of optical fibre cable
Do NOT fold over, tie in a knot or bend the fibre at hard right angles; the cable should go straight at least 12” out of the illuminator before any large bends.
Do NOT place heavy objects on it.
Do NOT place on uncontrolled surface (e.g. floor) where it may be rolled over by chair castor.
Do NOT point the fibre cable directly at your eyes.
Do NOT wipe with abrasive material or solvents.
Do NOT apply paint or any liquid to the fibre termination box.
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