We’ve been talking about talking about for a long time Gigabit Society with reference to initiatives aimed at delivering at least 1 Gbps of downstream network bandwidth to all European citizens. It is a hope and a joint effort, which obviously sees the use of connections entirely made in Europe at the forefront optic fiber (FTTH, Fiber-to-the-Home), supporting you downstream – only where necessary – FWA solutions (Fixed Wireless Access) to reach users to whom it is not technically feasible or would be too costly to physically deliver a fiber cable and install an optical stud.
Council and European Parliament agree on Gigabit connectivity
With a joint communiqué, the Council Presidency and the European Parliament negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the proposed legislation focusing onGigabit infrastructure (ALREADY). The agreement is part of the activities carried out by the European Union to accelerate theinstallation of high-speed networks across Europe, in line with the connectivity objectives set for the “digital decade” that we find ourselves facing.
The Gigabit Infrastructure Regulation aims to replace the 2014 Gigabit Infrastructure Directive reduction in broadband costsadapting to technological changes and the ever-increasing needs in terms of connectivity ultrabroadband.
The main objectives of the new legislation include the reduction of installation costs of electronic communications infrastructures, the acceleration of their implementation, the use of certain legal supports for the economic actors involved, a more efficient process for public network operators.
The Commission estimates that the investment gap is approximately 65 billion euros a year than what is necessary to achieve the connectivity objectives set for 2030.
What are the key points of the new legislation regarding Gigabit connectivity
For some time wholesale operators (even the two main ones operating in Europe), i.e. the companies that design, build, manage, update and maintain the network and then provide access to partner providers who stipulate commercial contracts with end users, have complained about the length of time bureaucratic procedures related to administrative and authorization procedures.
The new legislation, also known Gigabit Actaim for the maximum simplification thus accelerating the process of installing and expanding telecommunications networks. Member States can enjoy more autonomy in defining more detailed rules for different aspects of the legislation, allowing for greater flexibility.
The agreement also provides for a series of “special exceptions” for the benefit of smaller municipalities: these are provisions aimed at promoting connectivity in rural areas and remote, while at the same time ensuring the conditions necessary to guarantee a equitable access It is reasonable.
Then there is a whole part of the provision which renews the idea of“fibre-ready” label for private buildings: obtaining such certification is currently voluntary but aims to increase the value of the property precisely due to the fact that the buyer can immediately benefit from a connection to gang ultras.
The agreement provides for the maintenance of some additional measures a consumer protectionespecially for vulnerable users: we talk for example about the extension of tariff ceilings for intra-EU communications.
The one just achieved, it must be said, is still defined as a provisional agreement. The new legislation will come into force 18 months after its adoption, with some specific provisions applying at a later stage.
What is meant by Gigabit connectivity
Gigabit connectivity refers to communication networks capable of transmit data at a speed of at least 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). We have seen what Gigabit means when talking about modern network connections and what impediments can prevent a subscriber reached by FTTH connectivity from being able to transfer data at 1 Gbps or more.
At present, although the idea is to gradually extend the coverage to 2.5 and 10 Gbps with the evolution of the technology GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) o EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network), the latter chosen by a smaller number of suppliers, 1 Gbps is “the standard” that should be aspired to in both the consumer and professional fields.
Higher values should be considered as the banda possibly exploitable cumulatively with various devices connected downstream of the router, capable of using the various Ethernet ports and the WiFi link to their full potential.
The important novelty of FTTH connections, an aspect that often takes second place, is carrying 1 Gbps per single device connected to the router instead of for each user. This is the real leap forward.