Techno-economic evaluation of the transition to broadband networks

Techno-economic evaluation of broadband networks and services-and more particularly the analysis of strategies for the transition to broadband-has been undertaken by several groups within the European Commission´s programme RACE (Research into Advanced Communications-Technologies for Europe). In particular , Project R1014 (Atmospheric), under the leadership of prime contractors METSA (France), is studying the introduction of broadband networks in Europe using ATM. Special reference is made to the stages of evolution and the issue of interworking with existing networks. The authors describe briefly the objectives of modelling in the work of R1014 and the main features of the modelling tool; they present preliminary results obtained from the modelling work. The work is supported by other project partners (including Ericsson, Ellemtel and STC Telecommunications), and by Analysys Ltd (a telecoms and economics consultancy based in Cambridge, UK). They also indicate briefly some of the other applications of techno-economic modelling in RACE