FCC urges carriers to turn off copper networks, upgrade to fiber

[Bouncer]

Not sure how I feel about this. On one hand I like progress and upgrades to an aging technology. Increased speeds is always a good thing.

BUT, I currently have Internet through a small local company that provides 25mb/sec over copper wire for $25 a month. That's way cheaper then anything comcast, ATT, time warner, etc.. offer. 25mb/sec is more then enough to stream all my HD content from the various sites I use for tv watching so I really feel like I'm getting a deal at $25 a month. But if they are forced to upgrade there can be no doubt I will no longer be able to get such a deal.

FCC urges carriers to turn off copper networks, upgrade to fiber | Ars Technica

[blm]

That is a monumental task. Verizon spent nearly 30 billion building their fiber network and it only exists in less than 20% of their national footprint. Those other areas are typically rural locations.

If and when the transition takes place, it will not be anytime soon.

[chuckz28]

That is a monumental task. Verizon spent nearly 30 billion building their fiber network and it only exists in less than 20% of their national footprint. Those other areas are typically rural locations.

If and when the transition takes place, it will not be anytime soon.

Areas at a time. We have a few areas here in Cincy where they've just sent out notice that they are cutting the cord on old copper phone lines. I'd expect most of cincy to be done over the next few years as they already have fiber ran through most of the surrounding city. Rural areas I can see taking many years to get to that point.

[blm]

Typically what happens is ILECS that use other service providers copper infrastructure to provide service end up leasing bandwidth from major carriers new fiber network to provide their new alternative service.

It's a big deal. Fiber is a passive technology. Meaning it requires power at the premise to provide subscribed service. Current POTS lines work even in the event of a power outage. Fiber does not unless you have battery back up or an on site generator.

[Bouncer]

Yea that's the fear. It's not like I'm in the middle of nowhere and considering the tech capital of the world is an hour away from me (San Fran/silicon valley/cupertino) I would expect to be effected by this shit sooner then others.

[blm]

Not sure how I feel about this. On one hand I like progress and upgrades to an aging technology. Increased speeds is always a good thing.

BUT, I currently have Internet through a small local company that provides 25mb/sec over copper wire for $25 a month. That's way cheaper then anything comcast, ATT, time warner, etc.. offer. 25mb/sec is more then enough to stream all my HD content from the various sites I use for tv watching so I really feel like I'm getting a deal at $25 a month. But if they are forced to upgrade there can be no doubt I will no longer be able to get such a deal.

FCC urges carriers to turn off copper networks, upgrade to fiber | Ars Technica

You're concern isn't really much of an issue. Your current copper service is most likely provided over a major carriers existing network at a discounted price. This will happen when fiber replaces the copper as well. The little guys couldn't afford to build their own infrastructure nor can they now. For the big shots it's a win win scenario. The FCC mandates that if a company switches to fiber they have to guarantee that they will be able to provide an equal or better alternative to current customers. So little guy leases off big guy, again.

[Bouncer]

Yea about a month ago my internet went to shit because of this. Not sure if its the same thing your talking about or not.

FBI investigating vandalism of Bay Area fiber-optic cables - LA Times

[blm]

Yes but at an even higher level. That appears to be at the Tier1 level backbone. That's basically cutting the head of the snake. Where someone like Comcast would be Tier 2 and your local guy Tier3. You get the picture, I'm sure.