BITAG: Overview of Broadband Technologies

Broadband internet access is central to our society and economy. Tens of billions of dollars are now being allocated for construction of new last mile connections. But these construction grants and subscription subsidies may not always be informed by up-to-date information concerning the technical capabilities of various last mile network technologies. Indeed, while some stakeholders may believe there is only one best network technology - fiber to the premises via passive optical networking - there is actually no one single best last mile technology, given the varied climate, terrain, time needs, and budgets for broadband construction and subsidization. The report covers in detail Hybrid Fiber Coaxial networks, Digital Subscriber Line, Fiber to the Premises, Licensed and Unlicensed Fixed Wireless Access, Mobile, Low Earth Orbit Satellite, and Wi-Fi. Home network technology is also briefly explored, since the home network is such a significant factor affecting end user performance. Bottom line: there is not one “best” technology—as factors like mobility, terrain, installed base, population density, local regulation, time needs, available construction labor and materials, cost, and so on mean that the answer is “it depends”.