Next Generation Access - FAQs
What would I use Next Generation Access (NGA) for?
You may have asked the same question about broadband 10 years ago and now you find it indispensable! Although it is easiest to see the immediate benefit to you if, for example, you already struggle to send large files or have a large number of remote users, there is no question that NGA will transform the way practically all businesses work in future. For example, the use of video is likely to become an everyday use of the Internet, making video-conferencing a routine part of business life, multi-media online presentations and movies-on demand will transform media usage and online marketing, online learning will become commonplace as it becomes more interactive; working from home and on the move will become standard practice, as NGA will make Virtual Private Networks more effective; the business world will become truly 24/7, with more collaborations between businesses across time zones to deliver seamless applications ……the list goes on and on.
So how much faster is NGA than current broadband?
Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) solutions currently typically deliver speeds of 25-50Mb/s – but this will only increase in time! A fibre to the premises (FTTP) solution seems virtually unlimited by today’s standards, with speeds of 100Mb/s not uncommon. Of course, it is important to remember that NGA is not just about speed - reliability and 'quality of service' are even more important for some applications.
How much will it cost?
We intend to make NGA broadband available to businesses in Cornwall for a sum not significantly higher than the cost of current broadband in Cornwall.
NGA should be a ‘mass market’ product, just like broadband is today.
When will it be available?
We are expecting the first NGA broadband to be available in Cornwall in 2010. To start with, it is likely that only two or three areas will be able to access the NGA. However, the longer term plan would be to roll it out countywide as soon as possible.
When will it be known which areas of Cornwall will get NGA first?
We should know which the first areas to be upgraded will be towards the end of 2009 ar early in 2010.
Why is it all taking so long? What is the process leading up to this?
There are a number of complex issues that need to be resolved throughout 2009. For example, we need to get clearance from Brussels in order to be allowed to make this investment in partnership with the private sector. We also need to run an open competition to select the right private sector investor, and undertake detailed negotiation and planning stages.
How can NGA help Cornwall’s economy?
By being one of the first areas of the UK to provide NGA broadband, Cornwall will provide a headstart and a significant advantage to businesses that are able to make the most of the improved bandwidth to win a competitive edge in their marketplace. In addition, the fact that Cornwall has NGA will act as a magnet to businesses looking to relocate, especially those in high value knowledge economy sectors. Other benefits, for example to the health and education sectors, will further help transform Cornwall’s economy into a more inclusive and higher value knowledge economy, built on a future-proofed NGA infrastructure.
What technologies will be used to deliver NGA broadband?
Many NGA deployments in other parts of the world use fibre optic connections in some way.
FTTP, which stands for ‘Fibre to the premises’, would be the Rolls Royce ideal way of providing NGA broadband and applications in a future-proofed way.
FTTC, which stands for ‘Fibre to the cabinet’, would be a more affordable solution for a wider deployment.
Other technologies, such as wireless and satellite, could well play an important part in the mix when it comes to delivering an NGA network across the entire county.
