Synopsis
Archived report. This report was archived in 2005 and has not been updated. One of the most likely technologies that will bring us to the next generation of broadband is the 1972 developed Ethernet system from Rank Xerox. This has been further developed to facilitate the requirements of high-speed data, and so-called Gigabit Ethernet will be the preferred network technology of the new carriers that are emerging around the world. But we are not there yet. It will bring network costs down by 60%, but deployment is capital intensive and problems such as scalability still need to be sorted out. The real test however, will be the correct timing and developing the right business models. Telcos are still nervous about this.