The New Network
05.21.07 - 08:40pm
The world is constantly changing and change is good. Sometimes changes can bring forth problems, Blue Ray vs HD-DVD is a good example of this, while other changes bring forth immense rewards. In some fields America is a very progressive country but in the area of broadband data networks we are behind the curve. I don’t know everything about networking, how different long-haul networks patch into each other, how data crosses these networks, and what agreements go on behind the scenes but I do know one thing, we are crippled.
I have had the pleasure of surfing the web via dial up modems, cable modems, DSL modems, and stupid-fast fiber links. From every jump in connection speed my enjoyment of the Internet was increased. My web pages loaded faster, my streaming movies didn’t get choppy, it was easier to share my network with roommates, and in general I was more productive. I’m a very Internet-dependent individual, if I go more than a few hours I start to get the shakes and go into withdrawal like a crack junkie. For me my Internet connection is rather vital and so it seems for the vast majority of my generation. That being said the current pace at which the Internet is escalating versus the rate at which Internet speeds in the US are increasing is dismal at best.
So you have an increasing demand for bandwidth, a rather stagnant Internet industry, and therefore lots of angry customers. If you need proof of the angry customer part then just think of how many people you know that have Comcast. Now count on your fingers how many you know that are completely satisfied with their service. Still have all ten fingers? Exactly. Verizon’s FiOS is a step in the right direction with 30mbit/5mbit connections but with a $180/month price tag I’d say that’s out of reach for the vast majority of Internet customers. What I wonder about is what happens when an entire sub-division jumps on the FiOS bandwagon, has the connection servicing the general distribution points been beefed up enough to handle the loads or is this just another cable-internet choke-point with the maximum speeds available only at 3am on Monday nights?
I have heard so much about all the dark fiber that’s sitting unused and I wonder why it is sitting unused. There is a price on bandwidth, each transaction has a price on it, and if the price per transaction drops too low them operating costs will force companies to close (dot com boom/bust repeated) but where are the Wal-Marts of ISPs? There has got to be a way to operate a fiber connection on such a slim budget that it’s possible to drop consumer prices while providing even more bandwidth to the customer, right? I just find it hard to believe that I’m paying $50 for a 6mbit/384kbit connection that works when it feels like working. America needs a bandwidth revolution, the limitations currently in place are holding us back. We want our movies downloaded yesterday, our TV in high definition, and our music blasting 24/7. Now back to watching 24 while deciding what I’ll listen to while running tomorrow. Blink 182? Linkin Park? Men, Women & Children? So many choices!
As to your dark fiber question: Generally, unused fiber is in the wrong place, i.e. long haul or sonet ring. You need the last mile; the connection between you and the ISP POP. That costs money to build and, we only have you to pay for it. Unlike the multitude of customers on the backbone portion our connection to you is supported by you. Google and others are coming up with alternitives to this delimma with limited success.