S$100 million investment aims to future-proof Singapore’s connectivity infrastructure and support AI, immersive media, and other advanced technologies.
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s broadband network will undergo a significant upgrade, with an investment of up to S$100 million (US$74.3 million) to boost speeds to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). This move aims to provide faster connectivity for households and support technological advancements, such as AI and immersive media, as outlined by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his Budget 2024 speech.
The broadband upgrade, which will start in mid-2024 and extend until 2026, is expected to enable more than half a million households to access 10Gbps speeds by 2028. By next year, some users will already experience higher bandwidth services. Currently, 85% of Singapore households are subscribed to at least 1Gbps services, with the new infrastructure designed to meet the increasing demand for high-speed internet.
Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, emphasized that the investment is about “future-proofing” Singapore. While the full use cases of 10Gbps speeds are not yet clear, the government anticipates more immersive digital experiences, including the use of smart and autonomous devices, as AI technology continues to advance.
The upgrade will focus on equipping network infrastructure, both in user homes and at service providers’ back-end systems. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will collaborate with broadband service providers to ensure competitive pricing for the new services. Although some 10Gbps services are already available through providers like StarHub, Singtel, and MyRepublic, the government’s initiative aims to reduce the cost of the required equipment and accelerate the rollout.
Experts point out that while applications requiring 10Gbps speeds are still in development, the upgrade ensures Singapore remains competitive in the global digital landscape. The investment also aligns with the nation’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint, which includes expanding 5G and Wi-Fi networks alongside the 10Gbps broadband.
As the technology matures, Singaporeans can look forward to an enhanced digital experience, but it may take time for global applications to catch up to the high-speed infrastructure.
