[AusNOG] Alternative to NBN?

[Bevan Slattery]

http://technologyspectator.com.au/nbn-buzz/nbn-must-face-wireless

This seems a really good balanced article and whilst I'm not here for the NBN angle, there's some interesting developments in the microcell side of things.

"Light Radio is a new product that Alcatel-Lucent claim will fundamentally shift how mobile networks operate, delivering increased network capacity through Rubik's cube-sized modules that combine 2G, 3G and 4G wireless capability into a single module. As they put it, the product heralds "the death of the basestation""

"Initial figures are that a single cube will deliver double the capacity of current infrastructure for about half the cost, providing a coverage radius of about two city blocks in dense urban areas."

"If the product delivers as promised it's easy to see how microsites like these could extend the reach and capacity of future mobile networks much deeper than is currently possible. Indeed, it would hardly look like the "ugly tower on every street corner" future that would be delivered using today's infrastructure."

Like I said below, ultimately, I think people generally understand that as a society you need both. but also don't underestimate the developments in the wireless space.  Developments that are being funded by, and to solve problems in, the largest growth area in telecommunications worldwide.

Interesting stuff (assuming the reality is consistent with marketing) :)

Cheers

[b]




-----Original Message-----
From: ausnog-bounces at lists.ausnog.net [mailto:ausnog-bounces at lists.ausnog.net] On Behalf Of Bevan Slattery
Sent: Sunday, 22 May 2011 6:56 PM
To: Mark Stewart; 'Andrew Oskam'; 'Damien Morris'; 'AusNOG'
Subject: Re: [AusNOG] Alternative to NBN?

From: ausnog-bounces at lists.ausnog.net [mailto:ausnog-bounces at lists.ausnog.net] On Behalf Of Mark Stewart "The sad part about people harping on about Wireless Internet technology is that they don't understand it terribly well."

One could say "The sad part about people harping on about how great fixed line broadband is they don't understand you can't take it with you."

I think people [generally] understand wireless pretty well as a technology.  I think people understand fixed line pretty well too.  I think what people don't sometimes appreciate is the transferal of dominance or importance of transmission mediums.

If you asked a person 10 years ago what would you rather be without their landline or mobile, most would probably have said mobile.  If you asked people 2-3 years ago what would you do without, your fixed line broadband or your iPhone/iPad/dongle thingy most probably would have said iPad/iPhone/dongle thingy.  However, if you ask people in two years time (even now) many would say they would keep iPhone/Android/wireless internet over 3G/4G and not wifi/fixed line.

This is a really important shift and exercise and here's why - Due to financial reasons many people will be faced with that choice.  This has been highlighted through creation of the US Broadband Plan by the FCC.

"African-Americans and Latinos - 18% of blacks and 16% of English-speaking Hispanics are cell-only wireless users, compared with 10% of whites. In total, roughly half of African-Americans (54%) and Hispanics (53%) go online from a mobile phone."
http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Mobile-Access-2010/Part-1/The-current-state-of-wireless-internet-use.aspx

"Do I get fixed line BB at home, or do I just get a data pack with my mobile?  I can't afford both."  To many people wireless internet will be their *only* internet experience.  The internet is now really becoming all pervasive and the mobile device/phone is now taking over as the primary device for accessing information.

I think people are understanding wireless well and some of the inherent limitations of the technology without blanketing cell stations everywhere (particularly Voda/3 users).  However carriers, users, businesses, stores and other third parties will start to deploy cheaper alternatives (such as Wifi and Femtocells/microcells in workplaces/offices/locations) to assist with the handoff at high traffic locations (think apartment buildings, airports, shopping centres etc.).  But I agree that there will be a continual strain on spectrum and capital resources.  This will [mostly] be managed through economic means.

But ultimately, I think people generally understand that as a society you need both.  And because someone maybe an advocate for wireless, doesn't mean they don't think there is a need or business case for fixed line and vice-versa.  I think they may believe that the adoption of wireless may just alter the business case numbers on any fixed line upgrade.  This can be seen directly as players like AT&T and Verizon reducing their FttH deployment plans and increasing their 4G/LTE investments.

I think the customers insatiable demand for mobile internet will force Governments, carriers and even businesses to change, create, innovate and invest to deliver a better wireless internet experience.  It lets you check your news, weather, sport, stocks, youtube, email, facebook, twitter, iTunes, linkedin, blah, blah, blah on the go with an iPhone, Android device and even Nokia (assuming they'll still be around in 5 years).  And whilst they might not understand many of the technical limitations, they don't care - they just need to "fix it".  To use a Whirlpool'ism - "I just want candy" :)

I suppose I am really agreeing with you here, but also saying that don't underestimate the developments in the wireless space.  Developments that are being funded by, and to solve problems in, the largest growth area in telecommunications worldwide.

Cheers

[b]


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