International Telecommunication Union QUESTION 20-1/2 Examination of access technologies for broadband communications ITU-D STUDY GROUP 2 3rd STUDY PERIOD (2002-2006) Report on broadband access technologies eport on broadband access technologies QUESTION 20-1/2 R International Telecommunication Union ITU-D THE STUDY GROUPS OF ITU-D The ITU-D Study Groups were set up in accordance with Resolutions 2 of the World Tele- communication Development Conference (WTDC) held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1994. For the period 2002-2006, Study Group 1 is entrusted with the study of seven Questions in the field of telecommunication development strategies and policies. Study Group 2 is entrusted with the study of eleven Questions in the field of development and management of telecommunication services and networks. For this period, in order to respond as quickly as possible to the concerns of developing countries, instead of being approved during the WTDC, the output of each Question is published as and when it is ready. For further information: Please contact Ms Alessandra PILERI Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) ITU Place des Nations CH-1211 GENEVA 20 Switzerland Telephone: +41 22 730 6698 Fax: +41 22 730 5484 E-mail: [email protected] Free download: www.itu.int/ITU-D/study_groups/index.html Electronic Bookshop of ITU: www.itu.int/publications © ITU 2006 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, by any means whatsoever, without the prior written permission of ITU. International Telecommunication Union QUESTION 20-1/2 Examination of access technologies for broadband communications ITU-D STUDY GROUP 2 3rd STUDY PERIOD (2002-2006) Report on broadband access technologies DISCLAIMER This report has been prepared by many volunteers from different Administrations and companies. The mention of specific companies or products does not imply any endorsement or recommendation by ITU. Report on Question 20-1/2 iii Examination of access technologies for broadband communications TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Glossary........................................................................................................................................................ v Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. ix Section I – General Broadband Matters ....................................................................................................... 1 I.1 Social and Economic Benefits of Broadband in Telecommunications.................................. 1 I.2 Broadband Applications in Telecommunications.................................................................. 2 I.2.1 E-Health................................................................................................................... 3 I.2.2 E-Working ............................................................................................................... 4 I.2.3 E-Government ......................................................................................................... 6 I.2.4 E-Agriculture........................................................................................................... 8 I.2.5 E-Learning............................................................................................................... 10 I.2.6 Telecommunications for Public Safety, for Disaster Prevention and Disaster Relief ......................................................................................................... 11 I.2.7 Small Business Applications ................................................................................... 13 I.2.8 E-Tourism................................................................................................................ 13 I.2.9 Entertainment Applications ..................................................................................... 13 I.2.10 Information Gathering............................................................................................. 14 I.2.11 Capacity Requirements for Selected Applications .................................................. 14 I.3 Broadband Technology Deployment ..................................................................................... 15 I.3.1 Analysis of Broadband Access Questionnaire: Main Findings ............................... 15 I.3.2 Gender Issues Surrounding Broadband Technology Deployment .......................... 17 I.3.3 Strategies for Promoting Broadband Deployment................................................... 18 Section II – Technology Matrices ................................................................................................................ 22 II.1 Wireline Broadband Access Technologies ............................................................................ 22 II.1.1 DSL Technology Matrix.......................................................................................... 22 II.1.2 Basic Cable Matrix.................................................................................................. 24 II.1.3 Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) Matrix ...................................................................... 26 II.1.4 Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex Matrix........................................................ 29 II.1.5 Synchronous Digital Hierarchy Matrix ................................................................... 31 II.2 Wireless Broadband Access Technologies ............................................................................ 33 II.2.1 Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) Technology Matrix ....................................... 34 II.2.2 Fixed Broadband Wireless Access Systems............................................................ 38 II.2.3 Mobile Broadband Wireless Access Systems.......................................................... 46 II.2.4 Broadband access as a possible solution for interactive Digital Television Broadcasting .............................................................................. 56 II.3 Satellite Systems Matrix ........................................................................................................ 62 II.3.1 Broadband Access via Satellite ............................................................................... 62 II.3.2 Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Network Matrix ....................................... 67 II.4 Terrestrial Technologies in the Process of Standardisation ................................................... 68 II.4.1 Canopy Solution for Fixed Broadband Wireless Access Matrix............................. 68 II.4.2 Airstar: A Multi-Service Broadband Fixed Wireless Access System..................... 70 II.4.3 angel: A Non-Line-Of-Sight Broadband Fixed Wireless Access System............... 73 II.4.4 SR 500-ip: A Broadband Fixed Wireless Access System for Remote Areas .......... 76 iv Report on Question 20-1/2 Page Section III – Country Experiences................................................................................................................ 80 III.1 Africa ..................................................................................................................................... 80 III.1.1 Deployment of Broadband Wireless Access in Mali, Africa .................................. 80 III.1.2 Deployment of Mobile Broadband Wireless Access in South Africa ..................... 80 III.2 Americas ................................................................................................................................ 80 III.2.1 Canada ..................................................................................................................... 80 III.2.2 Ecuador.................................................................................................................... 85 III.2.3 Mexico..................................................................................................................... 85 III.2.4 Peru.......................................................................................................................... 86 III.2.5 United States............................................................................................................ 88 III.3 Asia ........................................................................................................................................ 90 III.3.1 Australia .................................................................................................................. 90 III.3.2 China: The Development of Broadband Services and Applications in China......... 92 III.4 Europe.................................................................................................................................... 95 III.4.1 eEurope Action Plan 2005....................................................................................... 95 III.4.2 Ireland...................................................................................................................... 97 III.4.3 Norway .................................................................................................................... 98 III.4.4 Sweden .................................................................................................................... 99 III.4.5 Israel: 802.16 Deployment in Rural Areas .............................................................. 102 III.5 Asia-Pacific...........................................................................................................................