Technology leadership, perception, and competition are the top drivers for offering Gigabit broadband services, according to a new survey of 88 service operators conducted by research firm Broadbandtrends.
On a scale of 1 (not important) to 5 (very important), technology leadership and perception tallied a 4.55 in the survey, followed by competitive environment (4.40), customer acquisition (4.18), customer retention (4.02), revenue generation (3.98), and operating expenses (3.67).
Broadbandtrends also found that more than half of respondents are currently offering 1-Gig broadband services to businesses and institutions, while 34% are offering them to residential customers.
Cloud-based backup and support for Ultra HD/4K video showed the most promise for emerging Gigabit broadband services, according to the survey, which also found that GPON is the favored technology for residential 1-Gig service, while P2P Gigabit Ethernet is the favored tech for businesses and institutions. Cable operators such as Cox Communications are starting off 1-Gig residential deployments using FTTH technologies, but will look to expand those offerings across their HFC infrastructures using DOCSIS 3.1, when the technology is ready for primetime.
Broadbandtrends said the survey also found that Calix is perceived as the top FTTH vendor, followed by Cisco Systems and Adtran. The survey also features operating ratings (using five criteria) for other FTTH vendors, including Alcatel-Lucent, Dasan, ECI, FiberHome, Genexis, Huawei, Iskratel, Keymile, Packetfront, Zhone and ZTE.
Broadbandtrends said the survey, conducted in September, includes results from all major regions and service provider categories spanning ILECs, CLECs, municipalities, utilities, wireless operator sand overbuilds.
