For governments
A Reggefiber optical fiber network may reinforce the competitive position of local authorities. The quality of society and everyday surroundings is constantly improving and in addition to the added value for citizens, local authorities become much more attractive as a place of business for companies and institutions.
Unprecedented bandwidth
Optical fiber provides in a future-proof network with unprecedented bandwidths. The higher the speed, the greater the number of options available: advanced services in the area of care, education and safety, for instance. Users have the fastest possible connection without the capacity limit in the amount of data exchanged.
Stronger social contacts
Research has proven that, in a social/economical aspect, users of optical fiber profit from the Internet more than people with a standard broadband connection. This advantage has proven considerable for lower incomes in particular. Another important conclusion of the research is that optical fiber networks contribute to the development of social contacts and coherence, which is why an increasing number of local authorities support or promote initiatives for a optical fiber network in their municipality.
Projects
Projects may differ because they are entirely new, or fit in with an existing local or regional network. The demand for a optical fiber network in the municipality can be realised in various ways, while the elaboration into a project can take two different shapes:
1) Bundling of demand
The demand bundling period is started by Reggefiber (under the consumer brand of Glashart) with the supply of a provider or by the service provider. The target is that no less than 40% of households in the connection area will register.
2) Building-up of stocks
The network is realised with the objective to connect 100% of dwellings. The operator or service provider(s) provide a warranty that the network is filled and starts its own marketing campaign.
A local authority can take on various roles, but the role which generally suits best is initiator and active supporter
Social support
The construction of a optical fiber network requires a broad social basis. Not only due to the excavation activities, but also because, in time, the network is profitable only if most people use it. Although the technology of optical fiber took shape years ago and has more than proven itself, the broad public has not really been made aware of it. People are careful: in this area, unknown, unloved applies.
Social support is crucial for success, irrespective of the model used to realise a network. Reggefiber endorses the necessity of a goal-oriented local information programme. Experiences with municipal projects show that close collaboration with the local authority in the area of communication can answer many questions, and that concerns about optical fiber rapidly change into enthusiasm.
Roll-out of a optical fiber network
The roll-out of a optical fiber network usually involves more than technology or infrastructural works. In many cases, it is a political issue also, where government support and market processes play a role. Both the European and the Dutch governments have determined that market processes are of importance for the development of the telecommunications market and economic growth. Opportunities have to be guaranteed for all parties, while an optimal price/quality ration for consumers remains intact.
Optical fiber provides a future-proof network with unprecedented bandwidths. The higher the speed, the greater the number of options, such as advanced services in the areas of care, education and safety. Users have the fastest possible connection without a capacity limit in the amount of data exchanged. Research has shown that, in a social/economical aspect, users of optical fiber profit from the Internet more than people with a standard broadband connection. This advantage has been proven considerable for lower incomes in particular. Another important conclusion of the study by Bert Sadowksi of the TU in Eindhoven is that optical fiber networks contribute to the development of social contacts and coherence, good reasons for a growing number of local authorities to support or promote initiatives for a optical fiber network in their municipality.