Broadband Networks in the Middle East and North Africa

Introduction objective and structure of the study Broadband generally refers to a telecommunications connection that is " always on, " as opposed to a " dial-up " connection via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to activate an Internet connection, and with speed rates higher than the rates obtained with a dial-up modem. The commonly accepted definition of bandwidth rates for broadband, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is at least 256 kilobits per second (kbps). This definition of broadband (" always on, " download speed rates higher than 256 kbps) will be used throughout this study (ITU 2010, 2011). There are indications that this definition may change over time. For instance, countries around the world have started to include in their national broadband plans an objective in terms of so-called fast broadband (FB) and/or ultra-fast broadband (UFB). Again, the definitions of FB and UFB vary according to the specific plan and country context. So far, no common definition has been established internationally. However, FB and UFB have to do with new and evolving high-speed technologies, such as fiber-optic cables, fourth generation of mobile telecommunications technology (4G), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), and so on, and refer respectively to bandwidth rates typically of about 30 megabits per second (Mbps) and 100 Mbps and above. Another varying factor is the type of consumer whose needs and usage of broadband Internet can differ and change over time. To satisfy increasing and diversified demand for services and applications, countries could use many fixed and mobile broadband technologies separately or in combination to potentially meet the various demands (see figure 1.1). The deployment of different technology options has implications in terms of network topography, network costs, speed, and quality available to the customer and, particularly important for the developing country context, consumer prices. 1 In addition, two technology trends have increased the number of possible wireless access network options. The first is the emergence of hybrid access models, for example fiber-to-the-cabinet (FTTC), combined with wireless access to reach the end user. The second requires innovation in consumer terminal equipment facilitating the last c h a p t e r 1 mile connection. Broadband, through Wireless local area network products IEEE802.11 standards (Wi-Fi) or third generation of mobile telecommunications technology (3G) for example, can be made available through mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and other devices. Most countries in the Middle East and North …