The Vision

With the appropriate policies in place, broadband is a transformative platform that impacts the ICT sector as well as other sectors of the economy. According to the World Bank Study (2010), 10% broadband penetration will increase economic growth by 1.4%.

Key enablers of both the smart society and the goals of Vision Brunei 2035 are ubiquitous access to broadband connectivity and widespread use of broadband-enabled services.

The government, through local telecommunication operators have started deploying next generation networks such as FTTH and LTE, a main component for fast and reliable broadband services.

The broadband industry stands to reap the benefits from a digital economy and unprecendented new opportunities such as the internet of things (IOT), Big Data and Cloud Computing.

Policy Overview

The National Broadband Policy (NBP) sets out the government’s overarching policy initiatives and goals for the development of the broadband sector over the next four years (2014–2017). The policy addresses key issues such as:

• Accessibility

• Affordability​​

• Quality

• Adoption

Policy Objectives

The government plans to develop the broadband sector with the latest technologies that can accelerate national development and propel the nation forward.

Key Initiatives

The full benefits of broadband for enhancing national competitiveness and empowering citizens are most likely to be realized where there is strong partnership between government, industry and other stakeholders.

The policy has drawn up strategic plan to facilitate broadband enabled industry by:

• Increasing broadband penetration by building next generation networks
• Providing additional spectrum to support wireless deployment in rural areas
• Introducing conducive and pro businessregulatory measures
• Setting up Internet peering arrangement to improve quality of internet experience
• Development of local contents and applications
• Identify measures to lower broadband subscription price
• Educating consumers and business on the benefit of broadband
• Development of capacity, skill and knowledge to enhance ICT industry

The government hopes that new initiatives and collaboration with stakeholders will propel the development of broadband and emergence of broadband-powered services which will enhance innovation and create new business and employment opportunities that will transform the nation.

Click here to download the National Broadband Policy document.