Overview

Industry Structure for Effective Open Access

To ensure that Singapore will realise significant economic benefits from the Next Gen NBN, IDA has designed a structure aimed at leveling the playing field, allowing the benefits of the Next Gen NBN to be available to all industry players.

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.

The Next Gen NBN's industry structure will be made up of three layers, each comprising a company or a group of companies that is responsible for the functioning and growth of the network.

1. 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's NetCo.
2. 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 selected as the OpCo for the Next Gen NBN.
3. 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.