(Left to right) Chang Wai Leong (Technical & Business Development Director, OpenNet), Tan Kah Rhu (CEO, OpenNet), Oliver Foo (Managing Director, Singapore/Brunei, Alcatel-Lucent), Radhi Nouira (VP Business Development / Systems & Applications Integration, Alcatel-Lucent APAC)

The OpenNet consortium has been appointed by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) as the Network Company (NetCo) to design, build and operate the fiber infrastructure for Singapore’s Next Gen NBN.

Alcatel-Lucent‘s turnkey OSS and BSS solution will meet equivalence of Input (EOI) requirements and create open access to OpenNet. The Solution will enable OpenNet to meet its contractual obligations towards IDA and run the operation in an efficient and fully automated manner at each stage of the activity cycles from the support of the initial fiber rollout to the most important aspect, providing services and handling the interactions with the Operating Companies (OpCos) and other Qualifying Persons (QPs).

“Alcatel-Lucent’s expertise in managing complex, IT System Integration projects will be a key asset to ensure the success of this strategic venture,” said Mrs. Tan Kah-Rhu, CEO of OpenNet. “Their extensive experience across the world in providing integrated OSS and BSS solutions will also help us meet our aggressive rollout schedule.”

Sean Dolan, president of Alcatel-Lucent’s activities in Asia-Pacific, said, “OpenNet has chosen Alcatel-Lucent for its unique expertise combining IT, OSS/BSS, network integration, service delivery platforms (SDP) and multi-vendor application integration. Alcatel-Lucent is recognized as a technology leader, with a proven delivery track record and stable, effective and committed customer engagement team to support large and aggressive rollouts.”

Alcatel-Lucent’s solution is based on multivendor consulting and integration portfolio - which includes service delivery platforms (SDPs) based on a service oriented architecture (SOA) approach. The OSS/BSS solution comprises vital building blocks which enable the open access environment that is core to Singapore’s Next Gen NBN. Alcatel-Lucent’s next generation of business and operational support system solutions effectively expose these previously hidden building blocks in ways that enable players over the entire value chain of End User/RSP/OpCo/NetCo to multiply and proliferate leveraging the complete process automation.

Alcatel-Lucent is a worldwide leader in OSS/BSS and SDP serving more than 180 customers worldwide; Alcatel-Lucent is the trusted partner with knowledge, assets, and experience to deliver complex multivendor solutions with quality and innovation.

About OpenNet Pte Ltd

OpenNet was established in 2008, and is a joint venture between four partners - Axia NetMedia (Axia), Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel), Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and SP Telecommunications (SPT). The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), has awarded OpenNet the contract to build, manage and operate a nationwide all-fibre platform for Singapore’s Next Generation National Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN). Being the foundation of the Next Gen NBN, OpenNet will provide a competitive, yet neutral, level playing field environment for all downstream operators, enabling the delivery of rich content and ultra-high speed of 1Gbps and above per end user. For more information, visit OpenNet at http://www.opennet.com.sg

About Alcatel-Lucent

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is the trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, providing solutions that to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. A leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent leverages the unrivalled technical and scientific expertise of Bell Labs, one of the largest innovation powerhouses in the communications industry. With operations in more than 130 countries and the most experienced global services organization in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with a global reach. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 16.98 billion in 2008 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

OpenNet Press Contact

George Chang

Tel : +65 6595 9188

media@opennet.com.sg

Alcatel-Lucent Press Contacts

Régine Coqueran

Tel : +33 (0)1 40 76 49 24

regine.coqueran@alcatel-lucent.com

Laurent Dunoyer de Segonzac

Tel : +33 (0)1 40 76 15 04

Laurent.Dunoyer_De_Segonzac@alcatel-lucent.com

Anne Marie Chua

Tel : +65 6240 8011

anne_marie.chua@alcatel-lucent.com

Singapore, 5 August 2009 - Today, OpenNet, the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) passive infrastructure operator appointed by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA Singapore), has commenced installation of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH). The Next Gen NBN is Singapore’s nation-wide ultra-high speed fibre network. It will be competitively priced offering ultra-high broadband speeds of 1Gbps and beyond to all physical addresses in Singapore, which includes homes, schools, government buildings, businesses and hospitals.

This significant occasion of first FTTH in Singapore was witnessed by Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, RADM(NS) Lui Tuck Yew.  Besides visiting this first home, RADM(NS) Lui was also shown the deployment of the fibre from the main distribution frame (MDF) room at the ground level to the first termination point at the first home.

Minimal inconvenience to homeowners

2          This nationwide fibre deployment into homes will be a hassle-free experience.  There will be minimal disturbance to homeowners when they allow OpenNet to install the FTTH. Authorised contractors from OpenNet will take not more than 4 hours on average to install the fibre inside the home on the day of installation. As far as possible, OpenNet’s contractors will try to use existing points of entry, existing conduits and surface trunking to minimise any drilling or hacking works for the installation of fibre

WAIVER of installation charges during the initial roll-out period for the first 15 metres of fibre within homes

3          Prior to installation, OpenNet will send letters to homeowners informing them of OpenNet’s initial offer of installation and the installation period for their neighbourhood.  These letters will be sent out in tandem with OpenNet’s network deployment. Homeowners will have at least five weeks to respond to OpenNet. They can make an appointment via OpenNet’s hotline at 6563 4273 (656-FIBRE) or online at www.opennet.com.sg.

4.         Homeowners who accept OpenNet’s initial offer will enjoy a waiver of the installation charges for the first 15 metres of fibre run (via surface trunking or existing usable conduits) within the home.  The first 15 metres of fibre run to the termination point is measured from the main door (for high-rise premises) or gatepost (for landed premises). The termination point is usually located in the living room but homeowners can choose to have it sited at other locations within the house. For fibre installation beyond 15 metres, homeowners will be charged $33 (before GST) for every subsequent 5 metres block.

5          Booking of appointments will commence from mid August for the first batch of homes. Homeowners will be contacted by OpenNet when their area is ready for fibre deployment.  Homeowners who refuse the initial offer will have to pay $220/connection for a residential high-rise or $450/connection for a residential landed property if they subsequently request for fibre installation.

Progress of OpenNet’s fibre deployment

6.         OpenNet’s current fibre deployment to homes and commercial buildings is on schedule.  As of today, around 32,000 homes and 500 non-residential buildings across Singapore have been covered and are ready for in-premise fibre installation.  Mrs. Tan Kah-Rhu, OpenNet’s CEO said, “OpenNet is pleased to share that the deployment is on track as we begin to roll out FTTH.  Homeowners are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the initial offer and make an appointment with OpenNet to have their homes fibred up.”

7.         Interested homeowners can check whether their area is ready for home fibre installation via the Coverage Check portal (rollout.opennet.com.sg). Once the area is ready, homeowners are strongly encouraged to visit www.opennet.com.sg or call 6563 4273 (656-FIBRE) to make an appointment to take advantage of the waiver.

About OpenNet Pte Ltd

OpenNet was established in 2008, and is a joint venture between four partners - Axia NetMedia (Axia), Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel), Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and SP Telecommunications (SPT). The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), has awarded OpenNet the contract to build, manage and operate a nationwide all-fibre platform for Singapore’s Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN). OpenNet will 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.

For media queries, please contact

Corporate and Marketing Communication

OpenNet Ptd Ltd

Email: press@opennet.com.sg

OpenNet to begin fibre deployment to the homes from July 2009

Initial installation offer of up to the first 15 metres within the home owner’s premise will be free

16 JUNE, 2009 - OpenNet Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Axia NetMedia, Singapore Telecommunications, Singapore Press Holdings and SP Telecommunications, has commenced the world’ first nationwide all-fibre platform rollout, a key foundation for Singapore’s Next Generation National Broadband Network. The Next Gen NBN is one of the key programmes under the Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) blueprint to turn Singapore into a sophisticated city-state with seamless connectivity by 2015.

Rollout Progress

OpenNet’s all-fibre platform will see a 5 per cent completion progress by September 2009. Almost 2,000 buildings will be covered with the highest clusters being in Macpherson/Braddell area, Jurong, Middle Road/Golden Mile and Geylang/Eunos area. This converts to about 56,000 homes and 1,000 non-residential premises.

By the end of next year, 60 per cent of homes and offices can already expect to have access to this new and pervasive, all-fibre network. This includes an estimated 350 schools in total. By 2012, 95 per cent of homes and offices nationwide will be connected to Singapore’s ultra high-speed Next Gen NBN.

Copper as a medium, which is commonly used in existing infrastructure, will eventually face scalability issues in the future, especially at bandwidth of 100Mbps and beyond. Optical fibre is the most effective medium to meet future Gigabit bandwidth requirements.

Fibre to the Home (FTTH) will become a new utility outlet in providing ultra-high bandwidth for triple play services of voice, data and video to the home in the near future. Commercial, educational and other industry sectors will also benefit from the Fibre to the Building/Premise outlet as it is expected that their bandwidth will continue to  grow exponentially in the coming years.

OpenNet has carefully considered the selection of its nine Central Offices (COs) with the widest geographical spread to meet the key objective of a high level of broadband coverage within the shortest deployment timeframe.  Co-location space is also provided at each CO to allow for effective open access to OpenNet customers.

Building Owners

For building developers/owners who would like to assist in the progression of FTTH, they will need to allow OpenNet access to their building’s Main Distributor Frame (MDF) rooms/ Telecommunication Equipment Room (TER) and telecoms risers to facilitate the installation of optical fibre cables and accessories. For cases where building owners refuse entry, OpenNet will not be able to establish any fibre network to that building.

OpenNet will send out letters to notify building developers/owners to allow OpenNet to access the MDF Rooms/TER and risers. There will be no cost involved for building developers/owners, for the installation of optical cable in the MDF rooms and riser.

OpenNet and its contractors will work with building developers/owners and MCs of developments to minimise any disturbance during installation phase. As an example, for condominiums, the contractors will arrange for installers to work between 9am - 5pm, after residents have gone to work and children have gone to school.

Homeowners

As the plan progresses, reasonable attempts will also be made via letters and other means to reach homeowners for sign up. The set up and installation to the premises will entail up to two installers per visit, and will take less than four hours per installation. OpenNet’s contractors will consult with the homeowner or office tenant to determine a suitable location to mount the fibre box in the premise. Homeowners can rest assure that one fibre termination point will be enough for a home networking set up with multiple users. Whenever possible, the contractors will leverage on existing points of ingress to install the fibre optical cable into homesand offices wherever possible.

Although the initial installation offering is free, subsequent requests for installation from those who refuse the initial offer will have to pay $220/connection for a residential high-rise or $450/connection for a residential landed property if they subsequently request for fibre installation.

Today, OpenNet is launching its Coverage Check portal (www.opennet.com.sg), an essential tool for any interested homeowners to check the availability of fibre in their area using a mere postal code.  The portal also enables homeowners to sign up for  fibre installation or register for alert when the fibre is reaching their buildings.  Further information required by the public can be directed to ask@opennet.com.sg. Building owners can direct any query relating to building installation through email at info@opennet.com.sg.

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About OpenNet Pte Ltd

OpenNet was established in 2008, and is a joint venture between four partners - Axia NetMedia (Axia), Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel), Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and SP Telecommunications (SPT). The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), has awarded OpenNet the contract to build, manage and operate a nationwide all-fibre platform for Singapore’s Next Generation National Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN). Being the foundation of the Next Gen NBN, OpenNet will provide a competitive, yet neutral, level playing field environment for all downstream operators, enabling the delivery of rich content and ultra-high speed of 1Gbps and above per end user.

For media queries, please contact

Corporate and Marketing Communication

OpenNet Ptd Ltd

Email: press@opennet.com.sg

OPENNET, the consortium building Singapore’s next-generation broadband network, has unveiled its new chief executive officer (CEO) as well as its board of directors.

OpenNet - which numbers SingTel and Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) among its consortium members - appointed Mrs Tan Kah-Rhu CEO with effect from yesterday.

Mrs Tan, who previously held the post of SingTel’s vice-president for access and transmission engineering, will spearhead the nation-wide project to construct the optical fibre network.

When completed, the network is expected to deliver broadband speeds 10 times faster than that possible today.

‘I am privileged to be leading the team that will realise the first phase of Singapore’s vision of providing seamless connectivity’, said Mrs Tan, who will report to OpenNet’s board of directors chaired by Mr Tan Gee Paw.

The seven-man board includes Mr Tan, who is also chairman of the Public Utilities Board; retired Accenture executive partner Robert Chew; and MCL Land deputy chairman Philip Eng Heng Nee.

Mr Tan, Mr Chew and Mr Eng will serve as independent directors of the board, which aims to provide ’stewardship to OpenNet in meeting the obligations of its winning proposal’, according to an OpenNet statement.

The other four board directors are SPH chief executive officer Alan Chan Heng Loon, SingTel executive vice-president of networks Mark Chong Chin Kok, Singapore Power chief operating officer Ong Boon Hwee, and Axia NetMedia Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Arthur Price.

In addition to SingTel and SPH, the other two consortium members are SP Telecommunications and Axia.

Last September, OpenNet was awarded the contract by the Infocomm Development Authority to design, build and operate the infrastructure of Singapore’s next-generation broadband network.

The network is an integral part of the Government’s iN2015 intelligent nation blueprint.

The super-fast Internet connection, said Mr Tan, ‘will cut across a broad spectrum of industries, such as the Government, health-care, education and financial sectors’.

‘The public will experience new levels of products and services being offered. Many opportunities will be created for business and economic growth.’

The IT regulatory body announced Friday the Axia NetMedia-led consortium would be responsible for building the fiber infrastructure of the NBN.

OpenNet, which comprises Canada-based Axia and three local companies, SingTel, Singapore Press Holdings and SP Telecommunications, was in competition for the government contract with Infinity consortium. The latter was initially formed between Singapore telcos MobileOne (M1) and StarHub and Hong Kong’s City Telecom (CTI), but CTI dropped out last month and was replaced by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).

Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts, Dr. Lee Boon Yang, declined to comment on whether Infinity’s restructuring negatively impacted its bid. Speaking during a press conference, he said it is “not appropriate to consider this factor”, but that the IDA’s decision was made based on the merits of each consortium’s request-for-proposal (RFP) outline.

Khoong Hock Yun, IDA’s assistant chief executive, infrastructure development group, said one of the highlights of OpenNet’s proposal was its ability to reuse existing underlying passive infrastructure, such as ducts, manholes and exchanges. This lowers the cost of the roll out, as well as minimizing disruptive building activity and inconvenience to the public, he said.

The consortium will use member, SingTel’s existing passive infrastructure assets to deploy the network, said Dr. Lee. SingTel owns a substantial portion of the country’s existing duct network, which SingTel CEO Singapore, Allen Lew, has said is more extensive than competitor, StarHub’s network.

However, part of the proposal states SingTel will transfer these assets to a neutral party within 24 months of the NetCo’s contractual close. This party, known as the Asset Company (AssetCo), will be independent and separately-managed.

SingTel will reduce its stake in the AssetCo within five years of the contractual and financial close. Future maintenance of the fiber assets will be entrusted to the AssetCo.

Dr. Lee said OpenNet has proposed an accelerated roll out of the NBN two years ahead of the 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 subsequent requests to install fiber access points in homes, offices and buildings throughout Singapore,” said Dr. Lee.

OpenNet has proposed wholesale prices of S$15 (US$10) per month per residential fiber connection and S$50 (US$35) per month per non-residential connection. These prices will be extended to the next layer of operating companies (OpCos) which will repackage services atop this layer and retail packages to consumers at a higher price.

The government will provide OpenNet with a grant of up to S$750 million (US$525 million) to support its effort, said Dr. Lee.

StarHub CEO Terry Clontz said in a statement e-mailed to the press: “We are disappointed that the Infinity Consortium was not selected for the NetCo project.

“The Infinity Consortium proposed what we believe is a very good solution for Singapore’s long term success with the Next-Gen NBN. Also, our proposal would have substantially diversified, for the first time, fixed infrastructure ownership.”

Analyst firm, Ovum, said it remains to be seen how the structural separation of the AssetCo will play out. “This implementation will be closely watched in countries where duct access is recognized as a competition issue, particularly in Europe.

“Is this a model for other countries? It is too early to say because the business model for a separated NGN network will only become clear once the prices of wholesale services offered by active switching operators are known,” said Ovum in a statement.

Singapore’s size should also be taken into account, it noted. Its dense structure “more closely resembles a metropolitan environment than a truly national one–which normally includes a mix of metropolitan and urban environments,” the research firm said.

This means the country’s example is more applicable at a city level rather than national for other larger countries, Ovum added.