Tom Wilkie reflects on some of the themes that emerged at ECOC
Datacentres, testing, and how to pay for next-generation transmission networks were among the themes that dominated the 39th European Conference and Exhibition on Optical Communication (ECOC), held at in London UK at the end of September.
Criticism of the UK Government's rural broadband programme lacks understanding, according to a telecommunications expert.
In light of the recent and less-than-enthusiastic Public Accounts Committee report on rural broadband, Matthew Howett, principal analyst for telecoms regulation at Ovum, explains how it raises valid concerns but also shows a lack of understanding of some of the basics.
The European Commission has missed an opportunity to have a better-focused fibre policy in its Digital Single Market proposal by continuing to ignore the key issues, according to the FTTH Council Europe.
The council says there is too little FTTH investment, and that the proposal fails to set out a vision of how the industry can accelerate investments for the benefit of the broader economy.
Claims that European countries cannot afford the roll-out of fibre to the home (FTTH) networks may not stand up to close scrutiny, according to the director general of the FTTH Council Europe.
Hartwig Tauber said that, despite seemingly 'insurmountable' obstacles of shareholder demands, increasing competitive pressure and the economic downturn, there is plenty of money available to invest in such a project.
Virgin Media O2 has been laying the groundwork for full network automation in the future (credit: Virgin Media O2)
New tools and processes do more of the heavy lifting in managing networks to deliver seamless connectivity, but suppliers are still seeking the Holy Grail of full automation, finds Benjamin Skuse
The world is poised for 10-gigabit networks, and advances in DOCSIS 4.0 solutions could bring us closer to this reality, finds Alice Jensen
Blue Planet Studio/Shutterstock.com
A look at the market for optical transport equipment, including the vendors of some of the latest hardware products and solutions.
Abigail Williams looks at how European network developers are overcoming the challenges they face in expanding fibre deployments
Charlie Cassie highlights the latest recruitment trends that fibre network providers, owners and operators need to think about if they are looking to hire great telecoms talent
Colin Yates highlights the benefits of digital data capture for telecoms engineers, installers and other field-based professionals
