In view of Singapore’s smart nation drive, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) proposed to fit all new homes with wiring delivering high-speed fibre broadband to the entire unit, reported The Straits Times.
In a consultation paper released on Tuesday (25 April), IMDA also called for the installation of a second fibre termination point in homes.
This is because the one mandatory fibre termination point provided by developers under the current building code, known as The Code of Practice for Info-communication Facilities in Buildings (Copif), “may not be sufficient”, said IMDA.
“With the increasing reliance on and pervasive usage of smart devices, which are not confined to any one space within the home, it may be prudent to ensure that other spaces such as the residential unit’s main entrance and kitchen be equipped to cater for such developments.”
It noted that the building code should be amended to reflect the changes made to the Telecommunications Act, which gave IMDA wider powers to direct building owners to allow the equipment within their premises to provide mobile signals to neighbouring areas as well as provide rent-free rooftop space for mobile equipment, among others.
With the consultation, which will end on 24 May, IMDA is looking to address other issues prior to the revision of the building code.
New proposals put forth by the IMDA include the two hour notification period for property owners with round-the-clock security management to provide emergency access to their mobile equipment.
“Undue delay by building owners (and) managers to provide emergency access to space and facilities may affect service restoration and result in significant inconvenience to the affected public.”
IMDA advised owners of buildings with no round-the-clock security management to work out with telcos an acceptable notice period for emergency access.
