Broadband Access: from Strategy to Reality

Once recognized as the driving force in the process of information society buildup and as a major weapon against digital divide, a broadband success story has begun. Broadband access to telecommunication networks and services has been one of the key topics in modern telecommunications for a while. Although enabling technologies exist from 1980s, significant penetration of broadband in residential and business area has begun few years ago. Today the choice of broadband technologies, wireline and wireless, is huge and sometimes confusing. A search for a single optimal access scenario is still in progress, but without any success. Why? Because single optimal and universal access technology does not exist. Moreover, the technology choice is just a peak of an iceberg. Regulation and economy issues are even more limiting factors for broadband penetration.