Global - Broadband - High Level Overview

Synopsis

People are beginning to change their mindset regarding broadband. The discussions of the past were all about high-speed Internet access and the level of speed provided. However Internet access will be just one of many services that will be delivered over broadband infrastructure. Far more importantly, other services that depend on high quality broadband infrastructure include telehealth, e-education, e-business, digital media, e-government, smart meters etc. In countries where the national telco is lagging behind we see that local governments have no choice other than to take a leadership role, as they have done with similar infrastructure over the last 100 years. This report analyses the various functions of broadband infrastructure, why cities should become involved, and what the role of the telcos should be.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
  
• 2. Introduction: Trans-sectoral thinking required for governments
  
• 3. Broadband doesn’t just equal high-speed Internet
  
• 4. The many aspects of broadband infrastructure
  
  • 4.1 Broadband equals healthcare infrastructure
    
  • 4.2 Broadband equals utility infrastructure
    
  • 4.3 Broadband equals education infrastructure
    
  • 4.4 Broadband equals media and e-business infrastructure
    
  • 4.5 Broadband equals lifestyle infrastructure
    
• 5. Cities to take charge
  
• 6. National or local infrastructure
  
• 7. The pointless technology debates
  
• 8. Broken regulatory systems and the new broadband environment
  
• 9. Barriers to broadband adoption
  
• 10. End-to-end connectivity for national NGNs
  
  • 10.1 Essential for health, education and energy services
    
  • 10.2 Whole-of-government approach is needed
    
  • 10.3 Regulatory frameworks are failing
    
  • 10.4 National benefits are astounding
    
  • 10.5 Conclusions
    
• 11. Related reports
  

• Exhibit 1 – Key starting-points for local broadbanding
• Exhibit 2 – Key broadbanding steps