Singtel announced that it will accelerate fiber-optic network service adoption for its business and residential customers in Singapore. According to the service provider, Singapore envisions a Smart Nation improved by the connectivity and speeds of up to 100 Gbps that fiber-based networks provide.
"We are pleased to make this technology adoption push in support of today's digital economy and tomorrow's connected Smart Nation," said Wong Soon Nam, Singtel vice president, consumer products, consumer Singapore. "Fiber-based networks today are capable of offering far greater speeds and supporting a much wider range of services than the prevailing copper-based networks. Fiber also provides customers with a robust connectivity that supports unified business communication applications and smart home services."
The fiber-optic service adoption follows Singtel's launch of 10-Gbps fiber to the premises (FTTP) broadband service to Singapore residences in February of last year (see "Singtel touts 10-Gbps FTTP broadband service"). In 2013, Singtel ended all copper deployment to new residential buildings.
In line with this adoption push, Singtel says it will end copper deployment to commercial buildings that obtain Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) status from April 2018, and will provide fiber-based network service to customers in these buildings. Commercial buildings that obtain TOP status before April 2018 will be unaffected. Singtel will gradually close copper-based ADSL that supports broadband, TV, digital voice, and private network services as well. The company says it plans to complete the closure by early 2018.
"Singtel will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure our customers will enjoy a smooth and fuss-free transition to the fiber network. We will also reach out to customers through various channels to make sure they are informed of the impending change and make available a range of affordable plans to cater to their varied communication needs," added Wong Soon Nam.
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