Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has committed up to S$100 million to upgrade the Nationwide Broadband Network (NBN), ensuring it remains future-ready to meet the evolving digital landscape. Anticipating the rapid advancement of digital technologies, such as AI and immersive digital experiences, the upgraded NBN will provide a solid foundation to enable these innovations. With speeds of up to 10Gbps expected by 2028, over half a million households are poised to benefit from enhanced connectivity, paving the way for a new era of digital transformation and economic growth.
Past investments in Singapore’s first-generation NBN, initiated in 2006, have proven instrumental in fostering a digitally enabled society. These early infrastructural developments laid the groundwork for Singapore’s rapid digital transformation, enabling seamless connectivity for businesses and individuals alike. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the resilience of the NBN ensured uninterrupted connectivity, facilitating remote work and learning for the entire nation. With over 85% of residential homes already on at least 1 Gbps services, the impending upgrade to 10 Gbps services underscores Singapore’s commitment to staying ahead in the digital realm.
As Singapore approaches the 18th anniversary of its initial NBN investments, the imperative to upgrade the infrastructure is clear. Scheduled from mid-2024 to 2026, the upgrade includes back-end network enhancements and front-end user equipment improvements. By enabling faster and more innovative services at competitive prices, this investment will bolster Singapore’s global competitiveness and unlock new economic opportunities. Combined with the 5G mobile services rollout and faster Wi-Fi networks, the upgraded NBN will provide symmetric end-to-end 10 Gbps connectivity, further solidifying Singapore’s position as a leading digital hub.
(Source: Infocomm Media Development Authority)
