Questions & Answers
Spectrum. Bandwidth. Bigger pipes. Everything everywhere at any time on any device. Bundles. A la carte. If I were a broadband provider, I would be tossing and turning at night. Today’s network is not what it was 20, 10 or even 5 years ago. The phrase “the more things change, the more they stay the same” just does not apply here.
It appears from the industry soothsayers and from those who handle the big money there now is light at the end of the recession tunnel. New projects are in the works, equipment is being purchased, and there’s been some hiring going on. Baby steps.
As operators ponder how to keep up with the competition when it comes to new products and services, decisions need to be made regarding the amount of available space in the ground or space in the air to make such new ventures happen. Do wireless providers better manage the spectrum they already own or do they spend millions (and maybe billions) on new channels, either at auction or in the aftermarket? Do cable operators or wireline carriers pull more fiber or make do with what they have (using the latest technology). Perhaps they will embrace the cloud?
Where will the new players find the start-up cash to enter the business – or will they continue to be the well-heeled companies that have made their fortunes elsewhere and that see voice, video and/or data as the next new revenue stream?
It’s a good thing there are so many answers for these burning questions, a few of which can be found in this issue. As operators grapple with such subjects as spectrum reclamation, there is no one set solution. They have the luxury of choosing among several scenarios as they decide what technology serves their businesses best.
On a different note, Communications Technology and its associated publications have been undergoing some changes since the first of the year. The magazine is going quarterly, bolstered by new twice-monthly Mid-Day Reports sent via email to your inboxes. But don’t worry: You won’t be losing any of the actionable information you’ve been used to receiving; rather, you’ll be getting magazine-like content sent as special PDFs.
In addition, the daily must-read CT Reports is getting a new name, an updated look and a substantial increase in the amount of news and special features we will be able to present to readers.
Because technology and editorial direction both are parts of an ongoing evolution, I welcome all opinions, suggestions and critiques to help us serve you just like you serve your customers: anywhere, at any time and on any device you choose.
Debra Baker is editor at Communications Technology. Contact her at [email protected].
