SINGAPORE: StarHub has assumed the lead in a consortium bidding to build the infrastructure for Singapore's next generation high-speed broadband network.

In a stock exchange filing, StarHub also said it has roped in the Qatar Investment Authority as a new partner in the consortium called Infinity.

But the former leader of the grouping, City Telecom of Hong Kong, has dropped out of the team, which also includes Singapore's MobileOne.

When contacted, StarHub declined to reveal why there was a change in the team, saying the terms were confidential.

The consortium is one of 10 groups competing for a government tender to lay the infrastructure for Singapore's next generation broadband network.

The project will get up to S$750 million in government grants. It aims to connect companies and homes in Singapore by 2012 to a national broadband network that can exchange data at speeds of one gigabit per second.

The winning bidder is expected to be chosen in the later part of this year. - CNA/vm