Europe - Travelogue - High level trans-sector discussions in The Netherlands October 2009

Synopsis

In October 2009 Paul Budde travelled to the Netherlands and the USA to discuss trans-sector policies and approaches. Discussions took in developments being undertaken in Australia and New Zealand. Trans-sector strategies are fundamental to the innumerable socio-economic benefits which can be brought about from deploying a national fibre infrastructure. These go beyond telecoms, and will incorporate many aspects of citizens’ lives. Effective strategies are needed to implement a trans-sector approach, bringing in investment from many effected players and industries. This report assesses some of the challenges faced, and recommends appropriate and realistic solutions.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
• 2. Fibre is rolling out – but where are the applications?
• 3. Key issues
• 4. No national approach
• 5. New infrastructure models are being looked at
• 6. The cable companies’ losing battle
• 7. Wholesale still dominated by copper
• 8. Missing: trans-sector policies and leadership
• 9. Related reports

• Exhibit 1 – Economic benefits