NetLink Trust
{{short description|Singaporean company}}
{{Infobox company
| name =
| traded_as = {{SGX|CJLU}}
| industry = Telecommunications
| founded = 2011
| area_served = Singapore
| website = {{URL|https://www.netlinktrust.com/}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
NetLink Trust, formerly known as OpenNet, is the owner, designer, builder and operator of the passive fibre network structure (comprising ducts, manholes, fibre cables and central offices) of Singapore's Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN).{{cite news | url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/opennet-ceases-to-exist-is-renamed-netlink-trust | title=OpenNet ceases to exist; is renamed NetLink Trust | accessdate=7 October 2020}}{{cite web | url=https://www.techgoondu.com/2014/05/10/opennet-fined-s240000-for-poor-quality-of-service/ | title=OpenNet fined S$240,000 for poor quality of service | date=10 May 2014 | accessdate=7 October 2020}}
The NGNBN is a project under the Intelligent Nation 2015 master plan{{Cite web|title=Singapore iN2015 Masterplan Offers a Digital Future for Everyone|url=http://www.imda.gov.sg/news-and-events/Media-Room/archived/ida/Media-Releases/2006/20050703161451|access-date=2020-10-03|website=Infocomm Media Development Authority|language=en}} by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, which seeks to transform Singapore into an intelligent nation and global city, powered by info-communications.
NetLink Trust held an initial public offering in 2017, under the name NetLink NBN Trust, at which point it was a subsidiary of Singtel.{{Cite web|last=Zhong|first=Isabella|date=2017-06-28|title=NetLink Trust IPO: What's In It for SingTel Shareholders?|url=https://www.barrons.com/articles/netlink-trust-ipo-whats-in-it-for-singtel-shareholders-1498707373|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-10-03|website=Barron's|language=en-US}}
NetLink NBN Trust is registered as a business trust under the Business Trusts Act, Chapter 31A of Singapore, and was listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited on 19 July 2017.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=19 July 2017|title=NetLink NBN Trust makes muted debut on SGX despite strong response to IPO|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Asia300/NetLink-NBN-Trust-makes-muted-debut-on-SGX-despite-strong-response-to-IPO|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=19 November 2020|website=Nikkei Asia}}
History
In 2008, OpenNet, a consortium comprising Axia NetMedia Corporation, Singtel, Singapore Press Holdings and SP Tel, is selected as the Network Company to design, build and operate the passive infrastructure for the Next Gen NBN.{{Cite web|title=Singapore's Next Generation National Broadband Network To Be Nationwide by 2012|url=http://www.imda.gov.sg/news-and-events/Media-Room/archived/ida/Media-Releases/2008/20080926174755|access-date=2020-10-03|website=Infocomm Media Development Authority|language=en}}
In 2009, OpenNet is issued a Facilities-Based Operator Licence for it to commence the roll-out of the Next Gen NBN.{{Cite web|title=Singapore's Nationwide Next Generation National Broadband Network Deployment On Track|url=http://www.imda.gov.sg/news-and-events/Media-Room/archived/ida/Media-Releases/2009/20050725173124|access-date=2020-10-03|website=Infocomm Media Development Authority|language=en}} Starting 2010, OpenNet began rolling out optical fibre to homes, offices and buildings in Singapore.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Supercharging Singapore 2010 and beyond|url=https://graphics.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/Interactives/2015/10/35-years-of-ict/supercharging-singapore/2010-and-beyond.html|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-10-03|website=graphics.straitstimes.com}}
In 2011, Singtel established NetLink Trust as part of the commitments made by the OpenNet consortium, and appoints CityNet Infrastructure Management Pte Ltd to carry out the business of establishing, installing, operating and maintaining the assets transferred from SingTel to support the operations of OpenNet.{{Cite web |last=Tacadena |first=Gerv |date=2017-07-11 |title=Singtel to divest majority stake in NetLink Trust |url=https://sbr.com.sg/telecom-internet/news/singtel-divest-majority-stake-in-netlink-trust |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Singapore Business Review |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2011-07-25 |title=Singapore's SingTel sets up business trust for broadband assets |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/singaporetelecommunications-idUSL3E7IP2WL20110725 |access-date=2022-03-18}}
In 2012, OpenNet rolled out fibre coverage to 95% of all residential homes and non-residential premises in Singapore.{{Cite web|date=October 15, 2012|title=OpenNet fibre reaches 95% of homes and offices|url=https://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Science+and+Tech/Story/A1Story20121015-377760.html|access-date=2020-10-03|website=www.asiaone.com}}
In 2013, OpenNet is acquired by CityNet, which will act as a Trustee-Manager for NetLink Trust.{{Cite web|title=IDA Approves CityNet's Acquisition of OpenNet with Conditions|url=http://www.imda.gov.sg/news-and-events/Media-Room/archived/ida/Media-Releases/2013/ida-approves-citynets-acquisition-of-opennet-with-conditions|access-date=2020-10-03|website=Infocomm Media Development Authority|language=en}} In 2014, OpenNet was fully integrated into NetLink Trust.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-01 |title=OpenNet ceases to exist; is renamed NetLink Trust |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/opennet-ceases-to-exist-is-renamed-netlink-trust |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112210642/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/opennet-ceases-to-exist-is-renamed-netlink-trust |archive-date=2016-11-12 |access-date=2020-10-03 |website=The Straits Times |language=en}}
Network and infrastructure
The extensive Next Gen NBN, which delivers ultra-high-speed internet access of 1 Gbit/s and above throughout mainland Singapore, covers all residential homes and non-residential premises, and its connected islands. It comprises three distinct layers{{Cite web|title=Next Gen NBN|url=https://netlinktrust.com/about-us/about/next-gen-nbn.html|access-date=2020-10-03|website=netlinktrust.com}} to provide effective open access to downstream operators.
Awards and accolades
- Achieved the top ranking in its first year of being included in the Governance Index for Trusts (GIFT).{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=1 August 2019|title=Netlink Nbn Trust Tops the Latest Governance Index for Trusts (Gift)|url=https://governanceforstakeholders.com/2019/08/01/netlink-nbn-trust-tops-the-latest-governance-index-for-trusts-gift/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=19 November 2020|website=Governance For Stakeholders}}
- Named Most Transparent Company, REITs & Business Trust Category, at the SIAS 20th Investors' Choice Awards.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=27 September 2019|title=NetLink NBN Trust: Named Most Transparent Company, REITs & Business Trust Category, At SIAS 20th Investors' Choice Awards|url=https://www.shareinvestor.com/news/news.html?source=sg_si_express&nid=219774|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=19 November 2020|website=Share Investor}}
Incident
In 2014, OpenNet was fined $240,000 by the Infocomm Development Authority Of Singapore, for failing to provide fibre broadband services to non-residential users on time.