Next-generation fiber-optic networks will reach 86 million homes worldwide by 2011, up from 11 million today, triggering a potentially massive deployment of a full range of digital and multimedia communications and entertainment services, according to a major new study.
“FTTH worldwide market and technology forecast, 2006-2011,” a new report from market researchers Heavy Reading, finds that the transition from copper to fiber access networks has gained momentum, and over the next 20 years, fiber will replace most copper networks.
Among the reports findings are:
- HDTV, next-generation gaming, personal video and digital photography will contribute to the emergence of a new broadband gold standard of 100Mb/s symmetric over the next 12 to 24 months. Although VDSL2 networks can in principle provide such capacity, this is at the limit of copper's capabilities and will encourage telcos to begin the transition to FTTH.
- FTTH expansion will be most aggressive in Asia. The number of FTTH connected households in Asia will grow to 59 million by the end of 2011.
- Municipal networks will play an important role in stimulating fiber deployment in Europe and the United States. However, these networks are unlikely to dominate the market, despite their strong appeal. Incumbent telcos will be the biggest providers in most countries.
- EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network) is the solution of choice in most Asian countries and will dominate overall deployment, but (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) GPON will dominate in the United States.
For more information, visit www.heavyreading.com.
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