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IDA seeks concepts for new broadband network

The Singapore government is requesting for the industry's input, and proposals are expected to be called in the second half of 2006.
Written by Vivian Yeo, Contributor

SINGAPORE--The island-state's infocomm industry regulator is seeking private sector input on the design, financing, construction and operation of the new next generation national broadband network (NBN).

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) issued a media statement today, calling for a Request-For-Concept (RFC) from interested parties. The RFC will seek input in areas such as network capability, interconnection, market coverage, timing, rollout strategy, and construction and installation techniques.

First announced last month, the NBN will enable broadband access speeds beyond 1Gbps, or 500 times the common access speed of 2Mbps.

Interested parties have until June 15 to submit the RFC document. Following this, the IDA will use the inputs to draw up detailed specifications, operating and financial terms of the network. The industry regulator will then launch a Request-For-Proposal in the second half of this year for those interested to formally bid for the construction, deployment and operation of the next generation NBN.

IDA announced earlier that the tender will be finalized early next year. The winner is required to roll out at least 50 percent of the network in three years and complete the project within five years.

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