BT : If OpenNet knocks, condos must open doors

Business Times - 17 Nov 2010

If OpenNet knocks, condos must open doors

IDA says that they cannot reject installation of nationwide broadband network

By VICTORIA HO

(Singapore)

PRIVATE condominiums have been told in no uncertain terms that they cannot refuse to have their premises wired up for the new, high-speed fibre broadband network. Those that have rejected the government-mandated network will soon have to let installation work begin.

The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) said during a briefing yesterday that, under the Telecoms Act, building owners have to allow government-appointed contractor, OpenNet, to wire up their premises for the upcoming nationwide broadband network (NBN).

Building owners who do not comply face fines of up to $10,000, and a further $1,000 for every subsequent day that the violation continues.

This announcement follows reports of condominiums which have refused to allow OpenNet to lay the fibre cabling, which is being offered for free.

OpenNet said last month that as many as nine in 10 private apartment management committees approached had rejected the offer, with some saying that the exposed trunking of the cabling was an eyesore. OpenNet uses surface trunking, with the cables lined against common corridors behind white plastic piping.

These committees wanted concealed trunking, but could not reach an agreement with OpenNet on who should bear the additional cost of the construction work.

The condos have been told that they can no longer say 'no'.

The IDA pointed out that the Code of Practice for Infocomm Facilities in Building (Copif) from 2008 already provides for the inclusion of fibre in new buildings.

The IDA has the power to direct building owners to provide access to facilities - such as main distribution frame rooms and risers - at their own expense.

The plan for the next-generation NBN was first unveiled in 2006 by the government, which set aside $1 billion to help fund its roll-out.

The all-fibre network will bring Internet access speeds of more than 1Gbps to homes and businesses islandwide.

The regulator said that the OpenNet consortium, which won the bid to build the network infrastructure, is in the process of re-engaging management committees that have rejected the offer. The IDA has issued letters asserting OpenNet's rights and clarifying the buildings' obligations regarding the matter.

It is up to management committees to determine how the costs should be split, either by individual residents applying for cabling, or dipping into their sinking funds.

When contacted, a representative from the Bayshore condominium said OpenNet has begun its process of laying the cabling. He said the trunking is concealed, because of the building's false ceilings on each lift landing which allows it to be done without additional cost.

According to reports, OpenNet has approached about half of the island's private estates. These account for about 20 per cent of Singapore's one million households.

Housing Board residents do not face this issue as the HDB (Housing Development Board) has allowed OpenNet to install cabling across the flats.

OpenNet could not be contacted by press time.

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