IDA's Response to Public Feedback on SCV Cable Modem Service

In response to public feedback on SCV's slow cable modem services for Internet access, IDA conducted investigations to establish the cause of the problem. Two factors were identified. The first factor is the bandwidth capacity that SCV leases between StarHub Internet and SingTel Internet...

Singapore, 13 April 2000 | For Immediate Release

In response to public feedback on SCV's slow cable modem services for Internet access, IDA conducted investigations to establish the cause of the problem. Two factors were identified.

The first factor is the bandwidth capacity that SCV leases between StarHub Internet and SingTel Internet Exchange (STIX) for its cable modem users. StarHub Internet's link to STIX, which is the gateway for SCV cable modem subscribers to access the Internet, was experiencing close to 100% bandwidth utilisation level during peak hours. This link is the cause of the slow access speed. SCV has since increased the bandwidth capacity between StarHub Internet and STIX.

The second factor was the change in the routing arrangements to the US carried out by StarHub Internet in March. Although the original routing arrangements were restored on 28 March, a surge in SCV cable modem traffic resulted in the overloading of a router in StarHub Internet's network. As a result, SCV cable modem users continued to experience slow response time. StarHub Internet took immediate steps to change the parameter settings of its network and this has improved the access speeds.

Notwithstanding this investigation, the IDA is currently reviewing the minimum Quality of Service (QoS) framework for broadband access services, in order to raise the overall technical performance of local service providers. IDA will hold the service providers accountable for failure to meet the specified minimum QoS requirements. This also applies to networks leased by the service providers. In addition, the IDA will mandate open interconnect access to SingTel's and SCV's broadband infrastructures. This will allow more players to offer broadband services and provide consumers with the flexibility and freedom of choice in a competitive market. IDA will announce the details in due course.

We thank the public for their feedback on this issue.

ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, please visit www.imda.gov.sg.

For media clarification, please contact:

Ms Jennifer Toh
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: (65) 6211-0508
Fax: (65) 6211-2227
Email: jennifer_toh@imda.gov.sg