broadband strategies handbook.pdf - Khazar University

attractive to leverage existing networks through upgrade or evolution thanto deploy the latest state-of-the-art technology by building completely newnetworks.Government involvement in the deployment of broadband networks hasimportant repercussions, as addressed in this chapter. Most local accessnetworks around the world use copper typically installed by formerlystate-owned enterprises. While many countries leave the construction ofbroadband networks to the private sector, governments in other countrieseither guarantee bilateral or multilateral loans for the construction of backbonenetworks or are full or partial owners of wholesale or retail serviceproviders. Governments may also play a pivotal role as a promoter for largeprojects such as international connectivity or national backbones wherethe private sector has been hesitant to invest. Even where the private sectorhas assumed the main role for investment in broadband networks, governmentsremain influential through their decisions with regard tospectrum allocation, rights-of-way, and infrastructure sharing. In addition,governments themselves are important users of broadband.The Transition to All-IP NetworksAn important trend affecting broadband network development is the convergenceof broadcasting, telecommunications, and information technologynetworks and services. Convergence has proceeded mainly through operatorsmaking incremental changes to upgrade their networks, while minimizinglarge investment outlays. In some cases, this can lead to operators havingto support an array of technologies. For example, wireless providers maysimultaneously support data solutions that include General Packet RadioService (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM) Evolution (EDGE), Wideband Code Division MultipleAccess (W-CDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), and Long-TermEvolution (LTE). In a very few cases, governments have sought to jump-startbroadband network development by sponsoring the development of a completelynew network to replace legacy networks (for example, Australia).NGNs exploit the advantages of IP to packetize all information androute it to its destination. NGNs simplify network maintenance and operationby standardizing protocols with IP or Multiprotocol Label Switching(MPLS) at the core. 1 In this architecture, common applications andservices can be provided independently of the underlying physical transportnetwork, making it easier for multiple providers to compete effectivelyin different parts of the broadband supply chain (figure 5.2). 2 Many198 Broadband Strategies Handbook