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Singapore aims to establish ultra-fast broadband network by 2015
MUMBAI: Singapore has set a time frame to reach the prominent position in the world broadband map. The island nation aspires to be transformed into the first totally wireless and wired country in the world by 2015.
The new ultra fast-speed National Broadband Network will reach 85 per cent of households in the country, and the private sector has been invited to partner the government in this bold project. As per the plan, a user can expect speeds of 100 megabytes to 1 gigabyte per second when surfing the Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure, dubbed the new digital superhighway.
There are two components to the proposed network; first is an ultra high-speed National Broadband Network linking businesses, schools, hospitals and homes. Secondly, the government will put in place a pervasive wireless broadband network in key catchment areas islandwide, to offer wireless access at affordable rates for those on the go.
According to media reports, the former one will also be a public-private partnership, with a Request For Concepts to be called by next week, followed by a Request-For-Proposals by the middle of this year. The contract is expected to be rewarded early next year, with 50 per cent of the network rolled out within three years, and the entire network running by 2012.
Regarding the second one, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) will call for collaborations next week with current telco and ISP operators; it expects the services to be rolled out by the end of the year.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
