Increasingly the biggest barrier to broadband adoption around the world
is affordability, but the industry is working to bring services into the reach
of the digitally deprived.
“The next wave of broadband, commonly titled -superfast’, is gathering
steam. With more than half a billion fixed lines already in use and many
markets extending the reach of fixed broadband across their populations, the
spectre of a deepening digital divide rears its head. On a global basis, if
suppliers can shave 1 percent off the cost of a broadband service then that
brings it into the economic reach of at least another five million households,”
said Oliver Johnson, CEO, Point Topic.
With plenty of solutions to deliver superfast broadband making their way
to market, it is more and more important that suppliers are able to align their
networks and implement delivery solutions that are cost effective.
While some countries have already deployed fibre through a large
percentage of their networks there are plenty of places, commonly outside the
richer business districts and high density areas that will not support a
commercial roll-out of full P2P or active optical implementations.
GPON is winning the debate. Its economic advantages, particularly at the
moment, are a powerful argument and mean that it’s likely to be the dominant
technology for the next few years at least.
Standards can help make the savings even more attractive. Economies of
scale are significant in producing and providing the necessary infrastructure
elements for GPON deployment particularly when it comes to commercial consumer
roll-out.
“The work that standards bodies around the world are doing on
certification is a core element in bringing broadband to more people.
Yesterday’s announcement around GPON certifications from the Broadband Forum is
a prime example. It takes the work of respected bodies with global reach to
test, award and implement standards that manufacturers, suppliers and their
customers are comfortable with and have the confidence to stick with,” Johnson
added.
By Telecomlead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com
