Page 27 - Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities: The Case of Singapore

Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities –
The Case of Singapore

Box 3 – Next Gen NBN layers and functions (end)

A. Fast upload and download speeds

With Next Gen NBN’s scalable speeds of up to one Gigabit per second, uploading and
downloading files will be significantly faster. Users will be able to download content in minutes
rather than hours, while utilizing multiple high-bandwidth applications simultaneously.
Among the many applications this technology enables are software-as-a-service (SaaS),
remote data backup and file restoration and richer online gaming experiences.
B. High-definition video conferencing

From telecommuting to keeping in touch with loved ones, the way people communicate from
home and office will be transformed with the emergence of high-definition (HD) video
conferencing enabled by the Next Gen NBN. With HD video, voice and data communication
running on the same broadband bandwidth, users will be able to conduct video conferences
that are highly realistic, without the need for hefty investments and bulky setups.
C. Leveraging cloud computing
With the Next Gen NBN, businesses are well placed to make use of technologies such as cloud
computing to maintain their competitiveness. Cloud services enable enterprises and end users
to access huge computing power, software and data storage on a pay-as-you-go, on-demand
basis. Providers of cloud services, such as SaaS and storage-as-a-service offer businesses an
alternative to the conventional model of having to invest upfront on expensive infrastructure.
Businesses, especially SMEs, can save by tapping into these services without incurring upfront
investments in equipment and software licenses, and yet still enjoying the flexibility of scaling
the applications to support their growth.
D. Facilitating services delivery, catalysing adoption
Beyond infrastructure deployment, Singapore has developed an overall strategy that focuses
on catalysing the delivery, adoption and demand for services on the Next Gen NBN. An
important guiding principle of the strategy is to ensure the direct engagement and
involvement of the public and private sectors for a comprehensive and inclusive approach.

IMDA is also exploring the technology of the Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) to strengthen
Singapore’s connectivity framework. Their ultimate aim is to allow everyone and everything to
be connected everywhere, at any time.

As outlined in the Infocomm Media 2025 master plan, HetNet represents the next advancement
in Singapore’s communications infrastructure. It is expected to support high- speed connectivity
and successfully utilizes the network’s resources. Users’ devices will be able to switch effortlessly
between data and Wi-Fi networks. IMDA states “HetNet also uses small cells to complement
existing macro cells, to bolster network capacity and improve the mobile user experience.
Consequently, the enhanced connectivity paves the way for innovative services to be created. ”18

Also, directly related to the ICT dimension KPIs is the Next Generation National Infocomm
Infrastructure (Next Gen NII), which also serves as a regional telecommunication and trans-cable
hub, a regional submarine cable systems and an international cable systems interconnect.

There are several additional investments in Singapore's ICT infrastructure under the Smart
Nation initiative that will allow Singapore to report significant progress to various related KPIs.

18
Info-Communications Media Development Authority, 2016.

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