The infrastructure is no longer a fairly straightforward set of cables and towers. It is now a far more complex structure comprised of an increasing number of different ICT elements. After having connected buildings (fixed lines) and people (mobile), the next developments will see billions of sensors and devices being linked to the infrastructure, which will impact upon all elements of our society – physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electricity and other utility networks, railways and buildings, as well as devices and sensors in relation to healthcare, public safety, the environment, and many other areas.
Of course, this makes everything and everybody far more vulnerable to any failures, accidents and criminal activities. For that reason alone it is crucial for robust networks to be created; and fibre networks, as deep as possible into the communities (FttH) are the best solution here. Obviously in many situations the last mile might initially be wireless and this applies in particular to infrastructure in developing countries.
It is not inconceivable that the misuse of the internet in e-warfare and cybercrime could costs the lives of thousands of people, not to mention the economic losses. Do we have to wait for that to happen?
Fortunately the internet is based on international technical standards and this at least makes it possible to develop international systems regarding its technical management and technical governance. The best brains of the world are already working together in many of these areas and many national e-security systems are now in place, or are under development.