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Tag Archives: Ethernet Access
Mapping the State of US Broadband
In a recent conversation with Adrian Wooster, I was asked if we’re over analyzing the state of broadband connectivity. Are we spending too much time discussing the problem and not enough in solving it? I was thinking about this question again today as I researched some figures on the recently launched national broadband map. An ambitious tool that’s provoked heated discussion as to its effectiveness and how it can be used to move the state of the country’s broadband forward.
Costing around $200 million and ultimately taking over five years to develop, the map represents the first step in providing detailed analysis on the state of the nation’s broadband infrastructure, especially in highlighting underserved communities in rural areas. The sheer breadth of data captured in this map is impressive, especially when compared to what is available in other countries (see earlier post: Mapping the digital divide). Yet as analysts such as Craig Settles have noted, this map is far from complete and represents only a first attempt. There is still a great deal of information regarding the competitive landscape that needs to be documented for this map to truly help consumers and drive policy forward.
Universal broadband: More than just bandwidth
The term ‘networked nation’ was bandied about in 2010 with alarming regularity. Barely a month passed without government officials espousing the virtues of universal broadband and its associated economic and social benefits. But while many talked generalities and the promise of impressive data speeds, there were few who actually discussed roadmaps or key milestones. Even more alarming was the absence of education as a critical part in the rollout of universal broadband.
The balance between infrastructure and education needs to be readdressed in 2011; otherwise we risk millions upon millions of people remaining disenfranchised and ultimately disconnected. In this respect, the UK has started the year strongly with two key projects initiated by the country’s Digital Champion, Martha Lane Fox, as part of the Race Online 2012 campaign. The more critical of the two projects involves Ms. Fox working closely with local authorities to ensure they’re engaged with communities and effectively promoting the values and benefits of broadband connectivity.
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bandwidth Big Society broadband connectivity community Corporate Backbones data speeds Digital Champion education Ethernet Access fibre networks Grid/Cloud Computing infrastructure Internet connectivity local authorities low-cost computers Martha Lane Fox Mobile Backhaul networked nation Race Online 2012 rural connectivity universal broadband Wireline Backhaul
A New Year: A new era for broadband?
Barely days into the New Year and the flames surrounding the net neutrality debate have once again flared. There are few who will have missed the media furore this week over BT’s launch of its Content Connect service. A number of the UK’s national press and open access groups are calling this a breach of the basic principles of net neutrality and the first step towards a two-tier Internet.
To many within the industry, what BT is proposing is nothing new. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) have existed for some time and are widely used by many media providers today. One need only look at Akami to see such an example. In this respect, a two-tier Internet already exists. However, what’s different about BT’s offering is that they could potentially own the CDN and the last-mile infrastructure over which the data is carried.
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Akami broadband infrastructure BT Content Connect service Content Delivery Networks Corporate Backbones Ethernet Access European Commission FCC Grid/Cloud Computing Long Haul Transport Metro Core Transport Mobile Backhaul Neelie Kroes Net Neutrality Packet Optical Transport two-tier Internet Wireline Backhaul
Is this the final curtain call for the open Internet?
To anyone who thought the furore over net neutrality was quietening to a gentle murmur, recent events on both sides of the Atlantic have once again brought the debate into sharp focus. Many within the industry are now starting to question whether the open Internet will soon become a two-tier service dominated by traffic management. At this stage, the diagnosis for an open Internet doesn’t look promising.
Surprisingly it wasn’t the FCC that reignited the debate on net neutrality but the European Commission. Until now, Europe’s governing bodies have remained largely silent on issues such as bandwidth throttling and traffic management, hinting that no new regulations are required to oversee service providers. However, in a speech delivered in Brussels last week, Neelie Kroes gave her strongest indication yet that she believes in the need for traffic management to optimise services and stimulate new business opportunities.
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bandwidth throttling best-effort service broadband Corporate Backbones digital agenda Ethernet Access EU European Commission FCC Grid/Cloud Computing Internet Metro Core Transport Mobile Backhaul mobile providers Neelie Kroes Net Neutrality open open access Packet Optical Transport remote learning Skype Smart Grid special services telemedicine traffic management two-tier service Wireline Backhaul
Is OTT video changing the future of TV forever?
Over the weekend I was struck by the fragmentation of TV distribution. On Sunday afternoon, I found my wife with her iPad watching a rerun of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC iPlayer, my son using his iPod Touch to watch an episode of Peppa Pig via Slingbox and myself watching a pay-per-view rugby match. Aside from wondering why we don’t have stock options in Apple, I was struck by the splintering nature of TV consumption.
There can be no question that the Internet has radically altered how we consume TV. There is no longer a central access point. Laptops, smartphones and the wealth of other connected devices mean we want TV whenever and wherever we are. The impact on our global networks is profound. Recent figures in the US reveal that Netflix’s Instant streaming service now accounts for over 20% of North America’s traffic. What’s even more staggering is that only 2% of Netflix’s customers currently use its streaming service. What would happen if the other 98% suddenly signed-up?
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Apple BBC iPlayer cable cellular network connected devices Corporate Backbones Ethernet Access EU Grid/Cloud Computing Hulu iPad iPod Touch iTunes Metro Core Transport Mobile Backhaul Netflix OTT over-the-top satellite Slingbox streaming TV distribution Video Wireline Backhaul Yankee Group YouTube
