Singapore NBN contractor suspends work due to haze
Worsening haze conditions have led to the suspension of installation work for Singapore's Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN).
In a statement on Friday, the network company OpenNet, which is in charge of laying the fiber, said its key subcontractor had suspended fiber installation and repair work to protect workers from the effects of worsening air quality. OpenNet's key subcontractor is SingTel, whom it had initiated arbitration proceedings against to resolve disputes over work delays last year.
"OpenNet apologizes for any inconvenience this action may have on any of its subscribers whose installation appointments are impacted by this precaution. All affected installations will be rescheduled," said Daniel Ho, director of business Development and communications at OpenNet.
He added the situation would be reassessed regularly to determine appropriate safety measures. This is to ensure workers are offered some relief from the smog when they resume work.
The stop work order is applicable till further notice, Ho said. Premise owners can check OpenNet's site for updates.
The NGNBN rollout reached 95 percent nationwide coverage in mid-2012, with current work mainly for new residential buildings and corporate customers.
Update June 24, 2013: OpenNet issues statement that work has resumed