BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A VIDEO documentary is set to capture Brunei’s quest for faster internet connectivity, following the much-anticipated deployment of the fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure.

The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) yesterday inked a deal with Lailatul Shazana’s Studio (Shazana) for the production of a 28-minute documentary depicting the government’s efforts to develop the ICT sector through its FTTH project.

In addition to the video documentary, Shazana will also deliver two mini clips showcasing the benefits of FTTH connection in a bid to spur usage of the high-speed broadband service nationwide.

“The award of this project marks the start of a series of awareness campaign that AITI is spearheading in educating the public about the economic and social impacts and benefits that a nationwide broadband infrastructure such as FTTH will bring to the country,” said the AITI Chief Executive.

Hj Yahkup Hj Menudin added the documentary will help to publicise the progress of the sultanate’s FTTH project to an international audience.

The contract signing, held at the AITI Building in Anggerek Desa, was witnessed by Hj Yahkup. Signing on of behalf of AITI was Queh Ser Pheng and Hj Osman Hj Ladis, while Shazana was represented by Sheikh Abas Sheikh Mohamad and Sheikh Mohd Idham Sheikh Abas.

Over the next seven months, the project will be conducted in phases starting with pre-production, followed by production involving stakeholders then post-production of the documentary and mini clips.

Upon completion, the documentary and mini clips will be shown on national television to promote the adoption of FTTH broadband usage in Brunei.

In 2012, the government allocated $230 million for the Ministry of Communications to implement a nationwide broadband initiative through FTTH.

More than 12,000 homes, as of November 2013, have been connected under Phase 1 of the nationwide FTTH roll-out project.

Phase 1, which began in 2011, covered the areas with the highest residential density in the country: Madang, Gadong and Bandar Seri Begawan. Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru) has also started expanding its high-speed broadband service (HSBB) for Phase 2.

Slated for completion in 2014, the telco is looking to reach 14,000 homes under Phase 2 in Bengkurong, Sengkurong, Rimba, Jalan Muara, Mentiri as well as large portions of Kuala Belait and Seria.

According to the Oxford Business Group, FTTH is seen as a solution to the growing demand for high bandwidth, especially among corporate clients, as well as another way to develop Brunei’s already strong ICT infrastructure.

It added that FTTH brings fibre-optic connections directly into homes, allowing for delivery speeds up to a possible 100 Mbps.

The Brunei Times