OpenNet appoints OSS/BSS SI

OpenNet has appointed an OSS/BSS (operations support systems/business support systems) systems integrator for Singapore's next-generation broadband fiber network.

The consortium, which has been tasked to manage the national network's fiber infrastructure as its "network company", has appointed Alcatel-Lucent to provide a full "multi-vendor" OSS/BSS set up, the parties announced in a press release Wednesday.

OSS/BSS technology is specific to the telecoms industry, and concerns areas of the business such as fulfillment, service assurance, customer care and billing.

OpenNet's system is required to support the envisioned open access structure of the country's network. It will handle interactions with downstream operators, which includes the next appointed tier of the network's management, the "operating company" Nucleus Connect. The latter will manage the active services atop OpenNet's passive infrastructure.

Earlier in June, OpenNet talked about its planned OSS/BSS platform, noting that it was aimed to be "simple and transparent".

Alcatel-Lucent's project will be carried out in phases, with completion targeted for July next year.

An analyst said earlier this year, more operators are paying attention to OSS/BSS innovation in their implementations, and focusing on more technologically-advanced systems.