Convergence through solution interoperability: case study of integrated telecommunication design and incremental deployment

Researchers have cogently presented the technical case for converged telecommunications systems. However, it is not clear how market-based telecommunications providers are embracing this technical argument as they design new telecommunication systems. This paper uses a case study approach to examine market and policy influences on achieving converged networks in a mixed commercial and residential environment. Specifically, the article presents the overall telecommunications design and then analyzes several implementations (and alternatives) proposed for a major urban redevelopment project in the greater Denver metropolitan area. Based on this review, the paper analyzes the role of interoperability as a mediating condition between a converged design and incremental solutions to this design. Finally, the paper addresses public policy implications for encouraging adoption of fiber-IP based networks in metropolitan areas. These implications are compared to recent findings from a national research council study on broadband deployment.