Synopsis

People will need to change their mindset regarding broadband. The current discussion is all about high-speed Internet access and the level of speed that is provided. 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 e-health, education, e-business, digital media, e-government, smart utility meter reading, 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.