“Service providers must seriously consider fiber-free solutions to address the issue of providing ultra-fast connectivity to the most hard-to-access areas, argues Lee Palmer, the Kenton Group commercial director.
In one sense, the statement is self evident. No single access platform ever is the most appropriate--and has a clearly sustainable business model--at every single site, anywhere, all the time.
In the specific sense noted by Palmer, use of all-copper solutions might make sense where fixed networks already are deployed.
“There are still a large number of businesses in areas that are deemed unsuitable for fiber,” said Palmer, who said VDSL2+ is a workable solution.
Others might further note that there are lots of instances where no fixed network platform is sustainable. That is why mobile access has become the accepted way of providing voice services throughout most of the world, and why mobile is seen as the likely mass deployment Internet access platform as well.
But not even mobile is “always” the best option, or even a “possible” option. Satellite suppliers point to cruise ship, oil drilling platforms and other isolated locations as examples.
Somewhere in between, supporters of TV white spaces and other fixed wireless networks, as well as newer options such as unmanned aerial vehicles and balloons are touted by Facebook and Google.
It is unarguably the case that no single platform is best for all scenarios. It also is clear that wireless solutions of one sort or another are going to be the “best” platform for the widest range of human and machine requirements.
In a growing sense, all access methods but mobile are "rounding error," some might quip. That isn't quite true, but is indicative of the scale differences between mobile and every other access alternative.
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