SINGAPORE: Singapore is set to embark on a significant upgrade of its nationwide broadband network (NBN), with an investment of up to S$100 million (US$74.3 million) aimed at enhancing internet speeds to up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) by 2028.
The initiative, announced by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) on Wednesday (21 February), targets over half a million households, marking a substantial leap in connectivity capabilities for the city-state.
The upgrade is scheduled to commence from mid-2024, with completion expected by 2026.
The rollout of higher bandwidth services is anticipated to begin as early as next year.
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, also serving as Finance Minister, unveiled the government’s plans to catalyze investments in digital infrastructure during his Budget 2024 speech last Friday (16 February).
The initiative aims to democratize access to ultra-fast internet speeds, to enable mass-market adoption of 10Gbps connections in the latter half of the decade.
Mr Wong emphasized that the upgraded speeds, ten times faster than current standards, will position Singapore to accommodate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive media seamlessly.
“This also ensures that our connectivity infrastructure will be able to support technologies like AI and immersive media as they become more pervasive in the future,” Mr Wong had said.
Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of “future-proofing” the country’s digital infrastructure to accommodate unforeseen advancements in technology.
“Digital infrastructure takes time to build up and doesn’t happen overnight. Many of the ways digital developments will change the way we work and live are not entirely known in advance,” Mrs Teo said.
“I think a big part of it is ensuring that in the digital age, we are properly resourced, properly equipped.
“We just have to try and make a best effort as far as understanding what the trends are going to be and then making sure that our digital infrastructure is future-proofed,” Mrs Teo said.
Mrs Teo noted that even without knowing specific use cases, Singaporeans will likely see more immersive digital experiences.
IMDA stated that although the broadband network can naturally handle 10Gbps services, the main focus of investments will be on upgrading network equipment to improve connectivity.
This encompasses equipment both at the back-end level and within end-user premises, such as modem routers.
Additionally, IMDA reassured that efforts will be made to ensure competitive service offerings through collaboration with broadband service providers.
The agency indicated that operators will be incentivized to attract subscribers to 10Gbps services, potentially moderating price points to encourage adoption.
“Operators will be incentivised to sign up 10G services subscribers, they will have to ensure that their service offerings out there, whether is it a package or a bundle with end-user equipment, will have to be attractive enough such that the end users will sign up,” an IMDA spokesperson said.
Reflecting on past investments, IMDA emphasized the critical role played by Singapore’s early foray into nationwide broadband infrastructure, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, where seamless connectivity facilitated remote work and learning.
IMDA added that currently, the NBN runs in all Singapore households, with more than 85% of residential homes on at least 1 Gbps services.
The decision to upgrade the infrastructure underscores Singapore’s commitment to remaining “future-ready” in an increasingly digital landscape.
The move towards 10Gbps connectivity aligns with Singapore’s broader digital connectivity agenda, as outlined in its Digital Connectivity Blueprint.
With the rollout of 5G mobile services and faster Wi-Fi networks, IMDA believes the upgraded broadband network will provide symmetrical end-to-end 10Gbps connectivity, sustaining Singapore’s global competitiveness and unlocking new economic opportunities.