Story: When narrow minds meet next-gen broadband
Islands of Fibre
There are many examples in the UK and in other European countries that demonstrate how seperating the provision of the access infrustructure from the provision of services is a significant key to solving the challenge of investment in fibre as a replacement for local copper networks.
It is inevitable that there will be for some time 'islands of fibre' in much the same way that five years ago we had islands of ADSL provision. This time however the gap in economic advantage between the haves and have-nots will be even greater.
There is no need for a '1-size fits all' approach - especialially if that '1-size' is defined by those with narrow minds. And with sensible regulation focused on interoperability and carrier neutrality there is no need to worry about new forms of localised monopolies. Open Access means that these networks are open to any service provider and in the best examples customers can switch providers just like changing channels on your TV.
See the CMA editorial at:
http://www.groupe-intellex.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=123&Itemid=27
David Brunnen
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