The full services access networks initiative

An international collaboration aimed at kick-starting investment in broadband access networks is discussed. This activity has focused on producing requirements and design solutions for a low-cost full services access network which is suitable for both home and business service delivery, starting from the telco position where enormous investment has already been made in copper pair technology. This article reports on the drivers, key issues, and top-level view of key requirements as agreed on by the seven major telcos and ten leading suppliers involved until June 1996.