Be Afraid (of Cable)
The need for ever higher Internet access speed is a function of reality and perception.
Reality: a fatter access pipe provide a better user experience. Big downloads go faster with a bigger access pip, but may well be limited by a bandwidth constriction else where, such as an overloaded server.
Perception: a competing access provider decides to ratchet up their Internet bandwidth to gain a competitive advantage. So subscribers (users) demand more bandwidth from their existing access provider, especially if they can switch to the competitor’s service. The cable guys have been playing this game of rising (access speed) expectations masterfully.
Witness this report that Optimum is offering 20 Mbps Internet access in one area to compete with Verizon’s FIOS fiber to the residence roll out, and 50 Mbps access speed in another community.
Now do you understand why I claim that forward thinking service providers will roll out Gigabit Ethernet to the residence, using the active star fiber network topology?
I am glad I work at a company smart enough to be heading in the right direction.