Overview
Broadband delivered by fibre to the premises (FTTP) has captured the attention of many as a result of new deployments around the world. Fibre promises to take the opportunity of broadband in the home to the next and probably ultimate level of capability. Mark Main examines how fast and how far fibre deployment will go, and whether there is a widespread revolution or simply pockets of opportunity.
Table of contents
Ovum view
Incumbents’ new build will increasingly use fibre
An overview of today’s FTTP market
Geographic overview
Part of telcos’ next-generation vision for network consolidation
The technology is proven
Some deployments start with basic services in the early years
Pricing is competitive
Utility-owned networks have played a modest role
A new business model in some markets
Drivers and barriers
A diversity of architectures and technology solutions
Housing density is a critical factor for rollout – but not everywhere
Fibre is a long-term investment with huge civil costs
Conservatism remains among most incumbents
‘Greenfield’ is often ‘brownfield’
Copper still has a significant role to play
TV/IPTV is a mid-term driver
HDTV will be a long-term driver
Regulatory and government policy is a key factor
Some municipal networks are under scrutiny
Fibre largely driven by competition
Utilities can manage installation costs more effectively
Examples of FTTP deployments
The Hong Kong Broadband Network
Lyse Telecom – Norway |
