In a groundbreaking move, Singapore has announced a S$100 million investment to upgrade its Nationwide Broadband Network (NBN) to 10Gbps speeds by 2030. This ambitious project, revealed in Singapore's 2024 budget, is a testament to the nation's commitment to staying at the forefront of digital innovation and connectivity.
Upgrading to ultra-fast broadband
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has been tasked with transforming the current NBN, which was initially laid out in 2008. The new network will not only increase speed but also vastly enhance the network's capabilities. This upgrade will pave the way for cutting-edge applications in artificial intelligence, higher-resolution streaming content, smart home solutions, and immersive virtual reality experiences. The project is set to start in mid-2024 and aims for completion by 2026. Upon completion, it will provide symmetric end-to-end 10Gbps connectivity to every home in Singapore.
Currently, the NBN covers all Singaporean homes, with over 85% already enjoying services of at least 1Gbps. The upgrade promises to bring ultra-fast internet speeds to over half a million households by 2028, marking a significant leap in Singapore's digital infrastructure.
Collaborative efforts with telecom giants
Infrastructure is just one part of this ambitious plan. Telecommunications companies are equally important in bringing these ultra-fast speeds to consumers. Leading telecom providers like Singtel, M1, and StarHub have enthusiastically supported this initiative. Singtel CEO Ng Tian Chong expressed his support: “We are committed to working with IMDA and other stakeholders to encourage the adoption of 10Gbps broadband services among households.”
StarHub also echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential for delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences, like streaming ultra-high-definition and 8K video content with minimal buffering. This network enhancement is also expected to revolutionise the work-from-home and remote learning experience, offering smoother video calls, rapid file sharing, and efficient access to cloud services.
A future with affordable high-speed internet
Although telcos like My Republic, StarHub, and Singtel offer 10Gbps internet plans with advanced technologies like Wi-Fi 7 routers, these are independent of the government's project and stem from the telcos' infrastructure improvements. However, there is optimism that the government's initiative might influence the pricing of 10Gbps plans. This expectation is based on the precedent set by Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), who significantly impacted the pricing of mobile data plans.
This initiative represents a significant stride in Singapore's journey towards becoming a global leader in digital innovation. The investment promises a future of ultra-fast internet for its citizens and lays the groundwork for new digital opportunities and economic growth. As the world increasingly moves towards an interconnected digital era, Singapore's commitment to enhancing its broadband infrastructure sets a benchmark for other nations to follow.
