Progress of Fibre Connection Installation by OpenNet

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (a) if he will provide an update on the status of the installation of fibre-optic cables to homes islandwide; and (b) when the installation is expected to be completed.

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Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts whether there will be a review of the contract awarded to OpenNet and to require OpenNet to ensure that all residential households be installed with fibre connection so that they are able to enjoy the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network.

Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: As part of the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (or Next Gen NBN) project, a Network Company (NetCo) Request-for-Proposal (RFP) was conducted in 2009 where OpenNet was awarded the project. As part of its NetCo contract, OpenNet is required to deploy its fibre-optic network and rollout the nationwide fibre to 95% of homes and offices by 2012. As of 30 November 2011, the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) has achieved 83% nationwide deployment where homes in areas already covered can subscribe to the various Next Gen NBN-based residential broadband access plans offered by seven service providers. OpenNet's rollout will continue into 2012 to cover 95% of all homes and offices. Thereafter, from 2013 onwards, OpenNet has a Universal Service Obligation to fulfil all reasonable requests to install new fibre termination points. IDA continues to closely monitor OpenNet's obligations under the contract and reviews OpenNet's performance regularly.

For home owners who have chosen not to accept OpenNet's initial free installation of fibre into homes, the existing NetCo contract does not require OpenNet to re-offer another free installation at a later date. Nevertheless, IDA has been facilitating appeals from home owners who have missed out on OpenNet's initial offer, and OpenNet has acceded to the large majority of these appeals. IDA is also engaging OpenNet to consider the possibility of charging a lower installation fee for such home owners that decide to sign up for retail fibre broadband services.