40 Gbps Access for Metro networks: Implications in terms of Sustainability and Innovation from an LCA Perspective

In this work, the implications of new technologies, more specifically the new optical FTTH technologies, are studied both from the functional and non-functional perspectives. In particular, some direct impacts are listed in the form of abandoning non-functional best practices, such as micro-registration, which would be implicitly required for functioning before arrival these new access technologies. It is shown than such abandonment of non-functional best practices, which are mainly at the management level of ICT, immediately results in additional consumption and environmental footprint, and also some new innovations that might have been ‘missed.’ Therefore these access technologies are not aligned with a sustainable ICT picture, except if they are regulated. An approach to pricing the best practices, at both functional and non-functional levels, is proposed in order to develop a regulation and policy framework for a sustainable broadband access.