lml,
"... its just a debate, and an opportunity to learn from others who hold different POVs & possess more insight into these matters than I do."
Excellent characterization of what we do here, no argument. Now, if only Denver Techie and WTC would join in here more often to help fulfill those characterizations. <s>
"An interesting exercise here would be to perform a "back of the napkin" analysis of the economics of VDSL v. FTTH. What are the pros & cons of each? How will timing of deployment impact expected ROI over the long term? I think this is precisely the exercise that strategists employed by the ILECs have undertaken over the past couple years."
Well, that could turn out to be a pretty large napkin. Behind the scenes I've been holding several simultaneous discussions concerning the assimilation of information concerning digital/analog differences -- when I refer to analog here, I've usually referring to r.f. modulation at head ends and black coaxial delivery to the set top box -- w/r/t video on demand, set top box functionality, SP/MSO intranet vs open Internet access (there's a difference), back office server architectures, interconnects with content providers (which is a capability that does not receive equal marks in both domains), the list goes on.
Often times when I read arguments against, and surprisingly, even "for" fiber to the home, one of the categories of comparison that is usually missing is the "potential" to support as-yet unknown applications (some of which are known, but not feasible yet without fiber) that the enabling characteristics of fiber engender.
How do you support an argument for a value proposition of qualities and quantities of applications that are still unknown, but that you know intuitively will emerge when the platform has been installed?
The point is this: Even while there is a premium to be paid (albeit, a decreasing one over time) in the way of extra costs for fiber to the home, those costs are worth the cost due to the additional potential which could never be realized over lower forms of plant life.
"As far your viewpoint, "bringing on home" the fiber, I'm all for it. When do we start?"
Very soon, I suspect, in affluent areas and perhaps some MDU situations. Those living elsewhere, like everything else, to follow. Some of the early plays may be a mixture of fiber and wireless where terrains (and local franchising authorities) present obstacles. Keep an eye on the utilities and integrators in industries which do the same kind of work, but in different sectors, such as alarm system companies, intelligent highway implementation firms, residential developers, and so on. Oh, and of course, companies who profess to be putting in FTTH for a living. smiles
FAC |
