Unbundling in Current Broadband and Next-Generation Ultra-Broadband Access Networks

This article overviews the methods that are currently under investigation for implementing multi-operator open-access/shared-access techniques in next-generation access ultra-broadband architectures, starting from the traditional "unbundling-of-the-local-loop" techniques implemented in legacy twisted-pair digital subscriber line access networks. A straightforward replication of these copper-based unbundling-of-the-local-loop techniques is usually not feasible on next-generation access networks, including fiber-to-the-home point-to-multipoint passive optical networks. To investigate this issue, the article first gives a concise description of traditional copper-based unbundling-of-the-local-loop solutions, then focalizes on both next-generation access hybrid fiber-copper digital subscriber line fiber-to-the-cabinet scenarios and on fiber to the home by accounting for the mix of regulatory and technological reasons driving the next-generation access migration path, focusing mostly on the European situation. © 2014 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC

Analysis of broadband services diffusion in OECD 30 countries: Focusing on open access obligations

Deployment of broadband for everyone has become a major policy objective in many countries, including Japan and the U.S. Recently, the U.S. announced a National Broadband Plan which is aimed at providing 100 million households with access to 100 Mbps broadband services by 2020. The purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical analysis to identify factors affecting broadband service diffusion in OECD 30 member countries. First, considering the ratios by broadband technologies, we categorize major countries into CATV (BB) type, DSL type and FTTx type. Then, the paper postulates the following four hypotheses by an international comparison method: (1) initial conditions of Cable TV around year 2000 promote CATV (BB) diffusion; (2) open access obligations on copper subscriber lines affect DSL diffusion; and (3) relative connection speed of FTTx to DSL and (4) business strategy of operator for investment in FTTx influence FTTx diffusion. Finally, the paper empirically proves the above hypotheses by panel data model, which take care of the endogeneity problem using instrumental variable method. This analysis will provide an important basis for national broadband policy formulation in individual countries. --OECD,Broadband,FTTx,DSL,CATV (BB),open access obligations,unbundling,collocation,panel data analysis,instrumental variable method

Broadband Internet and Social Capital

We study how the diffusion of broadband Internet affects social capital using two data sets from the UK. Our empirical strategy exploits the fact that broadband access has long depended on customers' position in the voice telecommunication infrastructure that was designed in the 1930s. The actual speed of an Internet connection, in fact, rapidly decays with the distance of the dwelling from the specific node of the network serving its area. Merging unique information about the topology of the voice network with geocoded longitudinal data about individual social capital, we show that access to broadband Internet caused a significant decline in forms of offline interaction and civic engagement. Overall, our results suggest that broadband penetration substantially crowded out several aspects of social capital.Comment: Internet & Society; Economic

HopScotch - a low-power renewable energy base station network for rural broadband access

The provision of adequate broadband access to communities in sparsely populated rural areas has in the past been severely restricted. In this paper, we present a wireless broadband access test bed running in the Scottish Highlands and Islands which is based on a relay network of low-power base stations. Base stations are powered by a combination of renewable sources creating a low cost and scalable solution suitable for community ownership. The use of the 5~GHz bands allows the network to offer large data rates and the testing of ultra high frequency ``white space'' bands allow expansive coverage whilst reducing the number of base stations or required transmission power. We argue that the reliance on renewable power and the intelligent use of frequency bands makes this approach an economic green radio technology which can address the problem of rural broadband access

Scaling the Digital Divide: Home Computer Technology and Student Achievement

Assesses the effect of access to home computers and broadband Internet on students' math and reading test scores and its potential to close the achievement gap for the disadvantaged. Considers the role of parental monitoring

The Economic Impact Of Broadband: Estimates From A Regional Input-Output Model

Like good roads, schools, and hospitals, cutting-edge broadband infrastructure is crucial to economic development and to the quality of life of local communities. Second-generation broadband (SGB), capable of supporting video, voice and data services simultaneously over a fiber-optic infrastructure, can provide users not merely faster internet connectivity, but a whole array of applications and communication services. This study provides an approach to quantifying the economic effects of first and second generation broadband availability in Hamilton County (TN) using an IMPLAN model. We find that household broadband expenditures over the period 2001-2005 supported 548 jobs and contributed $109.8 million in income and taxes to Hamilton County. Further, we estimate that while a new fiber-to-the-home project would cost$195.5 million over ten years, the economic impact of such a project would result in income and taxes exceeding $352 million while creating over 2,600 new jobs. We conclude that Hamilton County would benefit from the adoption of this technology

Timing and determinants of local residential broadband adoption: evidence from Ireland

This paper tests whether households that are offered broadband service for the first time tend to delay in taking it up. Using cross-sectional data on broadband take-up and socioeconomic characteristics of small areas in Ireland, linked to GIS data on ADSL availability, I find that local adoption rates are positively associated with the time elapsed since service was first offered. The strength of this association increases for the first two years after local enabling of service and then decreases to zero after about five years. The paper also includes estimates of the effect of various household characteristics on adoption, finding effects broadly consistent with previous literature. Simultaneity in demand and supply are addressed using 2SLS regression. Further research will be needed to explain the mechanisms behind lags in adoption behaviour, but those evaluating investments or subsidies in broadband infrastructure should such take lags into account. --residential broadband demand,econometric analysis,speed of adoption

Transaction data: Commercial transaction surveys and test market data

Commercial transaction surveys and test market data are important sources for the analysis of consumer behaviour in various markets. The advantage of these surveys is that they do not only rely on “weak” data of consumers but also on “measured” data (eg. sales information, marketing information etc.) The key questions for the analysis of commercial transaction surveys and test market data are the prospective evaluation of market success for launched or relaunched products and services, the influence of marketing and media on product purchases under “real market conditions” and comparison between the test market and the total market. These data are not yet used by the scientific community. There are three major challenges to get access to the data. The owners of the data (market research institutes/”clients”) have to allow data access. The data must be anonymized in various ways (individuals/households, brands/products) without losing relevant information. Furthermore it is necessary to develop quality guidelines for commercial transaction surveys and test market data. In order to setup the process the RATSWD should initiate a project of official statistics, scientific community and commercial market research.Consumer behaviour, test market

Surfing Alone? The Internet and Social Capital: Evidence from an Unforeseen Technological Mistake

Does the Internet undermine social capital or facilitate inter-personal and civic engagement in the real world? Merging unique telecommunication data with geo-coded German individual-level data, we investigate how broadband Internet affects several dimensions of social capital. One identification strategy uses panel information to estimate value-added models. A second exploits a quasi-experiment in East Germany created by a mistaken technology choice of the state-owned telecommunication provider in the 1990s that still hinders broadband Internet access for many households. We find no evidence that the Internet reduces social capital. For some measuresincluding children's social activities, we even find significant positive effects.Internet, social capital

Platform Competition and Broadband Uptake: Theory and Empirical Evidence from the European Union

Broadband access provides users with high speed, always-on connectivity to the Internet. Due to its superiority, broadband is seen as the way for consumers and firms to exploit the great potentials of new applications. This has generated a policy debate on how to stimulate adoption of broadband technology. One of the most disputed issues is about competition policies: these may be intended to promote competition in the Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) segment of the market (intra- platform competition), or to stimulate entry into the market for alternative platforms such as cable access or fiber optics (inter- platform competition). Using a model of oligopoly competition between differentiated products, our paper explicitly studies the effect of inter and intra platform competition on the diffusion of broadband access. The implications of the model are then tested using data from 14 European countries. The econometric evidence confirms the results of the theoretical model and indicates that while inter-platform competition drives broadband adoption, competition in the market for DSL services does not play a significant role. The results also confirm that lower unbundling prices stimulate broadband uptake.Broadband, inter-platform and intra-platform competition, local loop unbundling