The Last Mile and An Open Access Network
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is addressing a critical set of broadband needs. Those who lack affordable access to broadband are clearly at a disadvantage on many fronts. While there are many aspects to meeting this challenge, we want to focus attention on three critical challenges. The initial challenge of building a broadband network solution is dependant upon the user having the opportunity to purchase the service at their home or place of business. Second, is the need to know the physical locations of those who currently understand the value of broadband, but lack access. The third challenge is actually building out the infrastructure. While there are needs in the mid-mile/backbone portion of a network, these segments do not assure a last mile carrier will come forward. If we do not supply affordable broadband access to the front door of the home or business site, we will have fallen short. Identification of last mile carriers, who will use an open access network to deliver servicers, should be a critical of applications for funding. These last mile carriers need to be able to focus their investment to those areas where there is a potential to create a sustainable return on investment (ROI). The impact of the ARRA monies must directly impact the last mile. The s econd challenge for investment direction is to know exactly where the current demand is located. Looking at maps where networks do not exist will not achieve this goal. Instead, the efforts should be focused on finding exact locations that want to purchase the services now. By aggregating these locations the actual current market can be defined and ARRA funding for the last mile building can then be applied. ARRA funding can support the potential expansion of broadband and the ROI sustainability of the business of the last mile provider by focusing attention on this “ready” portion of the market. Finally, creating a true, fully, open access network owned by the state, county, municipality, tribe, or non-profit agency will give all carriers an equal opportunity to provide affordable service to end users in underserved and un-served locations. The model of focusing on creating an open access network that includes the last mile is similar to the smart grid electrical distribution approach. The intense challenge here is the actual building and management of an open access network. Each of the states, counties, municipalities, Tribes, and/or non-profit groups need a means to own and manage the network and assure the network is equally open to all carriers who wish to use the facility to deliver broadband services. These groups should not be left to return the network ownership to local carriers who’s own business goals could conflict with the ARRA objective. The application process should request a design, construction and management plan and structure that includes the use of an independent non-primary service-providing entity who will only provide service where no other last mile provider will support the availability of broadband.
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