NEXT GENERATION ACCESS IN UK RURAL AREAS

The residential broadband market is currently at a tipping point. There is rapid growth in consumer demand for new connected video-based services and applications, and an expectation of higher quality than the traditional Internet connectivity. An `always on, any-time, anywhere' experience is now expected. In addition, a new breed of consumer devices support the delivery of multiple services over multiple devices simultaneously, while governments have recognised the socio-economic benefits that super-fast broadband can bring. David Stokes explores the implications for Next Generation Access in rural areas.