Synopsis

Archived report. As the discussion continues about the need for intelligent networks and ‘smarts’ in virtually everything; it becomes obvious that we must move away from the decision-making processes that have brought us to the point of financial crisis, environmental crisis and to the monopolistic and dogmatic regimes that have developed in the telecoms sector. Around the world debates are heating up in the search for new and better ways to find solutions for these crises. There is more or less universal agreement that a linear continuation of the past will lead to more problems and, eventually, utter chaos and destruction.

While in developed markets Fibre-to-the-Home will be the leading infrastructure force behind this economic and social transformation, mobile broadband will deliver these changes in the developing world. Nobody needs to miss out on these benefits as long as governments take a leadership role both in relation to infrastructure developments and in developing trans-sector policies for healthcare, education, smart grids, transport and public safety - in short developing smart communities.

Latest developments:

While FttH networks had begun to arrive well before the financial crisis hit; surprisingly it was the crisis itself that is now driving fibre beyond its first stage; Australia has emerged as an interesting model to watch as the government is investing in a national FttH broadband network.