To ensure that Singapore will realise significant economic benefits from the Next Gen NBN, IDA has designed an industry structure for effective open access, which is aimed at leveling the playing field to allow the benefits of the Next Gen NBN to be made available to all industry players.
The Next Gen NBN's industry structure has three layers, each comprising a company or a group of companies that is responsible for the functioning and growth of the network.
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The Network Company (NetCo), which operates at the first layer, is responsible for the design, build and operation of the passive infrastructure, which includes the dark-fibre network and ducts. OpenNet was appointed as the Next Gen NBN NetCo.
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The Operating Company (OpCo), which operates at the second layer, will provide wholesale network services over the active infrastructure, comprising switches and transmission equipment. Nucleus Connect was appointed as the Next Gen NBN OpCo
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The Retail Service Providers (RSPs)*, which form the third layer, will offer services over the Next Gen NBN to end-users, including businesses and consumers.
IDA has put in place structural separation requirements on the Next Gen NBN NetCo, and operational separation requirements on the Next Gen NBN OpCo. The different ownership of responsibilities and roles will ensure that there is no conflict of interests. RSPs will thus be able to purchase bandwidth connectivity at non-discriminatory and non-exclusive prices, and compete on a level playing field to provide competitive and innovative services to end-users.
* Refres to any entity providing retail services to end-user using the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network or any other networks in Singapore.