Summary
1. The consultant does a good job of talking about the technological fundamentals of how far to take fiber into the network. 2. However, “[that] the answer is largely determined by [those] three specific factors [in the article]” – is an explanation that would be better suited for several years ago. 3. While there may have been constraints on the size of the original piece, there has to be at least a mention of other critical aspects.
Analysis
In a recent consulting study, it was pointed out how Cablevision Systems now has the capability to reduce a repair call inside a couple of hours. Well, in the vast majority of cases with fiber to the home, a technician does not have to be dispatched in the first place. And the operations savings when you go from coaxial to potentially much older copper in a telco plant, is even more dramatic. (It is amazing of the extent to which OPEX savings are discussed with IP as compared with fiber.)
Another important matter in considering whether to go to FTTH is to what degree it is being attacked by CLECs (in particular, ILECs) going outside their traditional territory with fiber. In looking to make a response, one cannot simply just study the fundamentals of technology reach and cost in a vacuum. In certain cases, Cablevision has felt compelled to take action with its own FTTH system. AT&T will need to do likewise.
