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 Thankfully there may be light at the end of the tunnel since Ofcom recently began investigating an alternative system, which has the notion of a compulsory migration policy high on its list, although that is but one of several proposals. The regulator explains as follows:
"Ofcom is currently consulting on proposals to make it easier for broadband customers to change suppliers. These will set a new general condition which will require providers to ensure customers can obtain broadband service and switch providers with minimal disruption. This will include a requirement for suppliers to provide a Migrations Authorisation Code (MAC) on request. The MAC is needed for customers to be able to switch providers without loss of service during the transfer."
We will have to wait a little bit longer for the final outcome, but with any luck 2007 should be the year migration is fixed. ISPreview fully expects to see a strong degree of movement between smaller providers when this occurs, provided Ofcom don’t throw a spanner in the works at the last minute. Everything else (Wi-Fi, Spam etc.) The biggest aspects of 2006 have already been covered, yet we’d be remiss for not mentioning some of the smaller developments that have taken place. Chief among these has been the continued evolution of local Wi-Fi and WiMax broadband wireless networks and public hotspots. It still remains a predominately niche technology for specific uses (on trains etc.), yet with each passing day more and more open locations offer wireless Internet access. It had been hoped that 2006 would also see the start of Fibre To The Home (FTTH) networks taking off as a faster/future replacement for ADSL services, unfortunately this has not been the case. We didn’t expect much, but the UK has barely even managed to blink in its direction. BTWholesale’s CEO, Paul Reynolds, recently made a statement at the DigiWorld 2006 Summit that may explain why:
"I really don’t see a business case for widespread FTTH. It is not immediately apparent where the incremental revenue would come from that investment."
Indeed he’s partially correct, FTTH does require a significant investment and presently, from BT’s perspective at least, ADSL technology is still evolving (they haven’t even got ADSL2+ out yet). Regardless, online technologies are evolving and BT’s competitors along with it, sooner or later the operator may find itself having to play catch-up. It’s worth remembering that, even with ADSL2+, many will still be stuck with speeds no greater than 1 or 2Mbps. [Next Page (6)]>>
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