Broadband Bulletin Issue 8 - June 2006
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Broadband
World Cup
The BBC is streaming all of its 2006 World Cup football games
through its website, allowing broadband users within the UK to view
games on-line at no additional cost.
The Wimbledon tennis tournament will also be available online
this year for the first time.
"This reflects us taking seriously what you've been saying to
us - you want BBC Sport on the platform, and at the time, of your
choice," commented the BBC Head of Sport Roger Mosey.
Outer Hebrides Broadband TV
Outer Hebrides residents will soon be able to view locally
generated programming and video content over broadband.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Western Isles Enterprise and other
project partners, have received funding from LEADER+ to take the
first steps in developing community-based broadband television for
the Outer Hebrides.
During 2006/07, a pilot service will be developed to act as a
demonstrator of local broadband television. This will identify the
level of interest among residents, agencies, businesses and the
wider world, and assess the funding and technology requirements of
a longer-term service.
Germany Tops Table
Germany has retained its lead in the broadband league tables
for Europe, according to Point Topic's latest Broadband Analysis,
largely due to the success of Local Loop Unbundling in the
country.
Deutsche Telekom had the second largest growth of all
broadband ISPs in the world in terms of net additions of broadband
lines (excluding lines 'bought-in-wholesale'). Only China
Telcom Corp has more additions. BT came third.
During the first quarter of 2006, China increased its number
of broadband lines by 3.7 million compared with 3.3 million in the
USA.
South Korea is no longer the leader of the broadband
penetration table, with the Netherlands, Denmark and Iceland all
having overtaken the long-term leader.
However, FTTx (Fibre-based) services have increased to have a
15.2 percent market share. This suggests that the South
Korean market is now moving to faster services than are available
through ADSL.
Japan Gets Fibred Up
Over 5.35million Japanese homes and business are benefiting
from FTTx broadband services offering up to 100Mbps broadband
download speeds. There are 14.45million ADSL lines in the
country, but growth in ADSL usage has slowed as people seek faster
speeds.
Prof Jim McNiven, from Nova Scotia visits
the Observatory
From left to right: Dr James
Waddell (Observatory Project Manager), Prof Jim McNiven (Dalhousie
University) and Prof Paul Beynon-Davies (Deputy Director
eCIC)
On 2nd June 2006, the Broadband Wales Observatory
had the pleasure of a visit from Prof Jim D McNiven, from Dalhousie
University, Nova Scotia in Canada. The purpose of his visit was to
learn about the work of the Observatory and the RIBS project with
its mission to make first generation broadband available across
Wales.
During the meeting Toby Grainger, eWales RIBS Project Manager
gave a presentation on the roll-out of their broadband exchange
enablement programme in Wales. This was followed by a
discussion with Prof McNiven about the availability of broadband in
Nova Scotia. He told us that many of the problems in Nova Scotia
were similar to those in Wales as both have a geographic dispersed
population and many rural communities without broadband. In
Nova Scotia this was having an impact on:
Real estate values – buyers are not interested in properties
that don't have broadband.
Tourism – potential guests will not make reservations at bed
and breakfast premises that don't have broadband
Prof McNiven also cited an example of a town in Nova Scotia
called Churchill that lost its satellite broadband connection after
3 years of use when the supplier went bankrupt and the economic
impact that this had on the community.
On a positive note, another town Parrsboro retained a large
business and over 100 jobs because of the introduction of
broadband.
We look forward to further discussions and collaboration with
Prof McNiven and his research team.
New Observatory Publications
Country Reports providing a market overview of data and
telecommuncations services are available now for:
Database of Broadband Initiatives
The Observatory's website now has a database of Broadband
Initiatives or Projects for Wales and the Rest of the World.
Around 20 Welsh projects have been submitted so far and we would
welcome the addition of many more projects from Wales and the Rest
of the World. The database offers a powerful search tool for
the project records as well as a "Submit Project" option.
www.bbwo.org.uk/initiatives
Feature: What is a broadband not-spot?
Broadband not-spots are areas within enabled exchanges
that still cannot access first generation broadband. Our
definition of first generation broadband is 512kbps downstream and
256kbps upstream.
If you are experiencing speeds slower than this, we would also
class you as a not-spot. There are several reasons why some areas
are classified as not-spots,
These include:
- The length of the copper line from the telephone exchange to
the site is too long;
- There is a line sharing device (also known as DACS – Digital
Access Carrier System) on the line -Broadband needs to be directly
connected to a site, so it will not work over these line sharing
devices;
- Existence of aluminium cabling in the line.
- Over the years there may have been several repairs done on the
line, and the repair might have been carried out using a length of
aluminium cable. Broadband does not travel through aluminium
cable.
- Poor quality copper cabling.
- The copper cabling may be badly corroded or the quality of the
copper may be lower, so broadband would have difficulty in going
over the cable.
- Poor connections in the line.
- The connections between cables or repairs are also a place
where some of the broadband signal can be lost.
How can I check my current broadband speed to see if I'm in
a not-spot?
There are a number of broadband speed checkers on the
internet. Open up a search engine (google, msn, Jeeves)
and type in "ADSL speed checker".
Use whichever one you prefer to check your line speed. If you
are experiencing lower upstream or downstream speeds, then those
reported then please contact us
enquiries@bbwo.org.uk
What is the Welsh Assembly doing to sort this problem
out?
The Regional Innovative Broadband Support (RIBS) project is
working with its chosen contractor - BT Group - to analyse all the
telephone lines and sites in Wales.
We have built up a good understanding of the number
of not-spot areas and will be tackling the addressable
not-spots over the course of the contract. The current
contract will run for 3 years, with an option to extend for a
further 2 years.
We have worked with BT and together we have produced a map
showing all the current registrations on the brokerage
website.
It is possible that there may be a large number of not-spots,
which may mean that some areas will not receive broadband for some
considerable time. However, there are other ways of getting a
broadband service either via a wireless or satellite network.
Finally, there may be some very remote areas that are too
expensive to provide a broadband service. The amount of time and
money that is available to the Welsh Assembly is limited and there
may be some areas that will not benefit from this project.
"Still can't get Broadband?"
If you already know you are in a not-spot area, you can
assist us by registering your details on our website
www.bbwo.org.uk/blackspots.
In addition, you may want to ask your neighbours to see if
they are facing the same not-spot issues, and get them to
register their details onto the brokerage site - the more
registrations that are collected in one area, the better the
business case and justification for doing the work.
We have access to lots of leaflets, posters, CDs etc which are
freely available for people to spread the word and increase
awareness and demand in their area. Please e-mail
broadband@wales.gsi.gov.uk
if you would us to send you some material.
The new DSL Max technology is capable of increasing the length
that broadband can travel by up to 1km further in some
instances. If you have been told by an engineer that the
length of your line makes broadband just out of reach, it may be
worth trying to re-order broadband. Specifically ask for the
DSL Max broadband as this may now enable you to get broadband with
the newer technologies.
If you have success in getting broadband through whatever
means, it will be very useful for us if you could let us know so
that we can move on to other not-spots and continue to assist other
areas of Wales. Otherwise we may waste time in looking for
solutions to not-spots which have already been solved.
Dates for ADSL enablement of exchanges:
|
Exchange Name
|
Ready for Service Date
|
|
Llanwddyn
|
07-Jul-06
|
|
Penmaen
|
07-Jul-06
|
|
Cynghordy
|
14-Jul-06
|
|
Merthyr Cynog
|
21-Jul-06
|
|
Pantydwr
|
21-Jul-06
|
|
Rhandirmwyn
|
22-Jul-06
|
|
Angle
|
22-Jul-06
|
|
Capel Curig
|
28-Jul-06
|
|
Castle Caereinion
|
28-Jul-06
|
|
Gladestry
|
28-Jul-06
|
|
Abergynolwyn
|
28-Jul-06
|
|
Whitton
|
28-Jul-06
|
|
Skenfrith
|
28-Jul-06
|
|
St Nicholas
|
28-Jul-06
|
|
Llangunllo
|
05-Aug-06
|
|
Bryneglwys
|
05-Aug-06
|
|
Cyffylliog
|
05-Aug-06
|
|
Llantilio
|
05-Aug-06
|
|
Pennal
|
11-Aug-06
|
|
Rhydymain
|
11-Aug-06
|
|
Ganllwyd
|
11-Aug-06
|
|
Glandyfi
|
19-Aug-06
|
|
Beguildy
|
25-Aug-06
|
|
Llannefydd
|
01-Sep-06
|
|
Bontddu
|
02-Sep-06
|
|
Hundred House
|
08-Sep-06
|
|
Painscastle
|
22-Sep-06
|
|
Cross Ash
|
22-Sep-06
|
|
Rhiw
|
To be confirmed
|
|
Llawhaden
|
To be confirmed
|
|
Rhos
|
To be confirmed
|
Regulatory Round-up
_________________________________
Stephen Carter to stand down as Ofcom Chief
Executive
The Ofcom Board announced that Stephen Carter will stand down
from his role as Chief Executive Officer with effect from 15
October 2006.
David Currie, Ofcom Chairman, said: "Stephen took on an
immensely challenging task - and has performed outstandingly. His
legacy is an effective and credible organisation which plays an
important role in delivering greater choice, lower prices and
greater innovation."
Consumer 
Protection
Ofcom has published research which reveals the importance of
effective industry self-regulation and consumer empowerment in
addressing consumer protection issues on the internet.
The report examines the broad range of processes used in the
UK and other countries to address a number of consumer protection
issues online, including illegal or harmful internet content.
Digital Progress Report
Ofcom has published its Digital Progress Report for the first
quarter of 2006 showing that 72.5 percent of UK households now have
some form of digital television service.
|
Digital cable
|
2,793,771
|
|
Digital satellite (BSkyB)
|
7,692,000
|
|
TV over ADSL2
|
48,545
|
|
DTT (Freeview) only homes
|
7,090,000
|
|
Free-to-view digital satellite
|
645,000
|
|
Total UK digital households
|
18,269,316
|
How Safe Do You Feel You Are Online?
The eCommerce Innovation Centre (eCIC) at Cardiff University
is very keen to understand the way Welsh consumers use the Internet
in order to better understand how people in Wales engage and
interact through digital channels and their perceptions of on-line
security and trust.
As part of the project, we have developed a Web-based
questionnaire. We are interested in the opinions of anyone who owns
a computer and goes on-line, whether you are a business or domestic
user. The survey should take about five minutes to do, and is
completely anonymous.
If you are interested in taking part, please visit the survey
Web site at:
Closing date of survey is 31July 2006.
Consultations
Call for
input on the White Paper on a European Communication
PolicyThe European Commission (EC) has called for input on the White
Paper on a European Communication Policy. The consultation
calls for comments on five areas for which the White Paper proposes
joint action to be taken:
- defining common principles guiding the communication activities
on European issues·
- empowering citizens
- working with the media and new technologies
- understanding European public opinion
- doing the job together
Closes – 31 July 2006
FP7 Consultation on Collaborative Working Environments
supporting Business and Industry
This infrastructure will be composed of resources offering a
new blend of activity-oriented, context-aware flexible software
services supporting patterns of human interactions, human to
machine interaction and collaborative devices, which all interact
in a dynamic and pro-active way.
Closes – 7 July 2006
Making
Spectrum Available in the 71-76GHz & 81-86GHz
BandsOfcom has launched a consultation in to proposals to open the
71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz spectrum bands (the "Spectrum Bands") for
point-to-point broadband fixed wireless systems ("FWS") on a light
licensed basis.
At present these spectrum bands are not in commercial use.
However, new technology offers the possibility of new applications
for these higher frequency bands.
These applications could include very high capacity, point to
point wireless networks, which could potentially be used as
alternatives to fibre optic cable. Possible data speeds range from
1Gb per second to 10Gb per second over distances of 1-2 km. In
comparison, copper loops typically enable connection speeds of
between 1 and 24 Mbps.
Ofcom is proposing that the band should be licensed on a first
come, first served basis, rather than auctioned, as the band's
unusual properties – high bandwidth, narrow beam – mean that a very
large number of users could co-exist without interference. Demand
for the spectrum is therefore very unlikely to exceed supply.
Closes – 2 August 2006
What benefits have you had from broadband?
During the second half of 2006 the Broadband Wales Observatory
will be writing up Case Studies on organisations and people who
have benefited from using broadband.
If you as an individual or as part of an organisation have achieved
tangible benefits from using broadband and would like to feature in
a Case Study that will be published on the Observatory's Web site,
then please eMail Dr James B. Waddell, Project Manager at BBWO at
waddelljb@ecommerce.ac.uk and briefly explain your
story.
Market News
_________________________________
BT Unveils Total Broadband
BT have launched a new set of broadband packages under the
Total Broadband banner.
Through the ADSL Max enabled exchanges, customers will be able
to get broadband download speeds of up to 8Mbps.
Total Broadband customers will use BT's wireless Home Hub
through which they will be able to access both Total Broadband and
Broadband Talk (VoIP) services.
Customers will also receive 250 minutes a month of BT Openzone
Wi-Fi access for the duration of the minimum contract term.
Wales ADSL Max stats
Total exchanges in Wales: 434
ADSL enabled exchanges: 399
SDSL enabled exchanges: 18
ADSL Max enabled exchanges: 399
The remaining 35 exchanges are not due for an upgrade to ADSL
Max.
Broadband and Telecoms
Market convergence
Following speculation reported in the last Broadband Bulletin,
O2 is a new entrant to the broadband market
following the acquisition of Be for £50m.
O2, which was formed following a de-merger from BT in 2001, is
now owned by Spanish incumbent Telefónica.
Orange, owned by French incumbent France
Telecom, has now replaced the Wanadoo brand in marketing for
broadband services in the UK.
Vodafone has announced plans that they
intend to provide fixed line broadband services in the UK as a
reseller rather than purchasing an existing broadband service
provider.
Vodafone has launched its 3G broadband HSDPA service in parts
of England and should cover the entire Vodafone 3G network by
summer 2007.
T-Mobile has announced that its HSDPA
network will be commercially launched on 1 August 2006.
T-Mobile is owned by German incumbent Deutsche Telekom.
www.t-mobilepressoffice.co.uk/
NTL has appointed new brand and marketing
directors with experience of working with the Virgin brand, in
preparation of of the merger with Virgin Mobile UK.
Unbundling Update
_________________________________
OTA Update for April 2006
The Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator announced on
5 May 2006 that the number of unbundled lines in the UK exceeded
420,000. This is up from 360,000 in March 2006.
The OTA stated: "I am pleased we have reached 420,000 lines on
the current tactical platforms and processes.
"However it is still important to recognise that the Delivery
of Backhaul and Co-Mingling PoPs in a quality manner and the move
to the Strategic (EMP) Openreach systems at a time when the CPs
need the functionality for their businesses are essential to keep
the momentum going."
Previous announcements had suggested a potential to unbundled
two and three million by the end of 2006.
The Telecommunications Adjudicator aims to facilitate swift
implementation of the processes necessary to enable competitors to
gain access to BT's local loop on an equivalent basis to that
enjoyed by BT's own businesses.
Unbundled League
AOL
Unbundled exchanges: 2 (London trial)
Target: 300 by First half of 2006
Cable and Wireless (Bulldog)
Unbundled exchanges: 629 (9 in Wales)
Pending: 29 by 30/09/2006
Target: 800 by 30/09/2006
Carphone Warehouse (Talk Talk)
Pending: 1,018 (30 in Wales)
by 31/08/2006
Edge
Unbundled exchanges: 21
France Telecom
(Orange/Wanadoo)
Unbundled exchanges 218
Pending: 87 (12 in Wales)
by 30/09/2006
Homechoice
Unbundled exchanges: 145
Node4
Unbundled exchanges: 4
O2 (Be)
Unbundled exchanges: 159
Pending: 297 by 01/01/2007
Pipex
Target: 100 by 31/12/2006
Sky (Easynet)
Unbundled exchanges: 259
Target: 379 by 31/06/2006
Tiscali
Unbundled exchanges 240 (4 in Wales)
Zen
Unbundled exchanges: 1
Market Data Analysis
_________________________________
Rumours have been in the press about a possible purchase of
the UK operation of AOL who announced in a press
statement in January that they have over 1.1million broadband
subscribers in the UK.
Cable and Wireless have announced that they
will no longer be actively marketing Bulldog
services to retail customers, and will instead be using its local
loop network to provide wholesale services to other broadband
providers.
Bulldog have nine exchanges unbundled in Wales. Existing
customers will continue to receive Bulldog services according to
the press statement. Bulldog currently has 112,000
residential and 6,000 business customers in the UK.
The Carphone Warehouse is due to unbundle 30
exchanges in Wales.
O2 has announced that it has purchased
broadband provider Be for £50million. Be has
been developing its network through Local Loop Unbundling, although
to date has not unbundled any exchanges in Wales.
Tiscali undundled four exchanges in Wales
during March 2006. These exchanges were Bangor, Bridgend,
Cwmbran and Llanelli.
Data sources:
Useful Links
_________________________________
Broadband Wales Programme
Visit the Broadband Wales Programme website for information on
the benefits that broadband can bring for you
www.wales.gov.uk/broadband
Broadband for Life
Other News and Events
RIBS "Not-spots" Registration Scheme
If you still can't get broadband after you have been informed
that your telephone exchange has been enabled, please register your
details at
www.bbwo.org.uk/blackspots
.
Details of when your exchange is due to be enabled can be
found at
The scheme is operated by BBWO on behalf of the Welsh Assembly
Government.
Please note every attempt is made to ensure figures published
in this newsletter are the most up to date and accurate figures
publicly available at time of going to press, however, exact
figures may vary.
Thank you for reading the
Broadband Bulletin from the Broadband Wales
Observatory (BBWO). This newsletter is published once a
month.
Researched by:
Edited by:
Rhys Gravell
Published by:
Broadband Wales
Observatory
eCommerce Innovation Centre
Cardiff University
Cardiff Business Technology Centre
Senghenydd Road
Cardiff CF24 4AY
Tel: 029 2064 7030
The Broadband Wales Observatory is managed by
the
eCommerce Innovation Centre
at Cardiff University on behalf of eWales at the Welsh
Assembly Government.