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IDA Invites Private Sector to Propose Concepts for Singapore's Next Generation National Broadband Network
Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 07:00 PM

Following the launch of the Infocomm Development Authority's (IDA) Wireless Broadband Market Development Call-For-Collaboration (CFC) on 9 March 2006, IDA is today, calling a Request-For-Concept (RFC) for Singapore's Next Generation National Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN).

The two industry engagement programmes are part of the government's initiative to deploy a Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure (Next Gen NII), announced on 3 March 2006 by Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Communications, Information and the Arts.

The Next Gen NII comprises the ultra high-speed Next Generation NBN and the pervasive Wireless Broadband Network (WBN). Today's RFC solicits industry inputs to shape the Next Gen NBN initiative. Following the RFC, IDA will subsequently launch a Request-For-Proposal (RFP) later this year. The RFP will be the formal process for interested parties to bid for the construction, deployment and operation of the Next Gen NBN.

The Next Gen NBN will entrench Singapore's Infocomm hub status and open the doors to new economic opportunities, business growth and social vibrancy for the country. Next Gen NBN will be capable of ultra high speeds of symmetric 1Gbps or more, with initial provisioning of 100Mbps.

Next Generation National Broadband Network RFC

Through the RFC, IDA seeks proposals from interested parties on the design, financing, construction and operation of the Next Gen NBN. IDA will use the responses to the RFC to draw up detailed specifications, operating and financial terms of the network for the subsequent RFP. Key areas where industry inputs are sought are as follows:

* Network Capability
* Interconnection
* Market Coverage
* Timing
* Rollout Strategy
* Construction and Installation Techniques

The response to the RFC is a non-binding expression of interest in participating in the subsequent RFP process. Submissions must reach IDA on or before 5pm, 15 June 2006. Further details and the RFC document is available at http://www.ida.gov.sg/broadband

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