[IP] Japanese broadband speeds corrected,etc.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Dave Burstein <dave3@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: October 19, 2004 3:46:59 PM EDT
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx
Cc: dewayne@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, "David S. Isenberg" <isen@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: Japanese broadband speeds corrected,etc.
Dave
Isenberg, Malik et. al. are absolutely correct the U.S. is behind
much of world, and currently falling further, in penetration, speed,
and broadband services. However, the comment
"In Japan they're even rolling out gigabit-per-second Fiber to the
Home service priced at less than US$40 a month"
is based on some press reports that are inaccurate. Actually, that
gigabit is feeding a passive optical network, split as many as 32 ways,
and actual customer speeds are typically under 100 meg. Still great
compared to us, and even the 19 meg per customer PON fiber Verizon is
putting in.
The other crucial measure is how many can't be served, which is
far below developed world standards in selected areas of the U.S. A
general "solution" or subsidy is totally inappropriate when you look at
the facts. SBC, Verizon, and many of the smaller locals are headed to
90% to 100% ASAP, as is British Telecom, France Telecom, Bell Canada
and others, with both rural and urban lines. SBC's 1/3 of the U.S,
where the CEO says using repeaters they can and will reach 100%. SBC
can get to 85% directly. Verizon also almost 1/3, Babbio says they are
headed over 90% availability in 2004.
The problem is specific telcos not investing for particular reasons.
Qwest, whose CFO was fighting bankruptcy two years ago, is only around
65%. Sprint's local phone net is about 75% covered, as the company is
funding wireless instead of their local service. Century Tel doesn't
have cable competition in half it's territory, so is in no rush to get
DSL to those towns.
Policy then is to get tough with the laggards. Qwest and Sprint's's
local phone business remains profitable - they are squeezing it to fund
the internet boom excesses of their world network.
100% broadband is a reasonable, easily achieved goal if faced
directly, and not as an excuse to advance unrelated agendas. Loans, not
grants or tax credits, are the only appropriate government handout,
because DSL adds income at the margin anywhere 400 homes are within
reach of fiber. There may be 1-4% wireless, DSL or cable might major
subsidy. Satellite, inexpensive when purchased in bulk, is a much
better solution for those folks at a fraction of the cost.
Dave Burstein,
Editor
DSL Prime
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