OpenNet’s Nationwide Fibre Network Reaching the First Home in Singapore

OpenNet’s Nationwide Fibre Network Reaching the First Home in Singapore
05 Aug 2009 Family at Cantonment Close first to receive installation of the fibre-to-the-home (FTTH)

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