Burgeoning demand for high speed broadband access is driving the deployment of optical fibre in access networks. Besides, exponential growth in internet traffic continues to put pressure on internet service providers’ (ISPs) existing networks. As per Cisco’s Visual Networking Index (May 2012), the global IP traffic on account of bandwidth-intensive applications will witness a compound annual growth rate of 29 per cent between 2011 and 2016. Consequently, operators are actively replacing their existing copper network with fibre to enhance their network’s bandwidth capacity. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) deployment will not only allow ISPs to offer triple-play services of IPTV, VoIP and broadband services but also multi-play services.

Deploying FTTH has enabled ISPs to deliver services such as high definition (HD) video content that requires 24 Mbps bandwidth and 50 millisecond latency; telemedicine and remote surgery that require a bandwidth of 10 Mbps and a latency of 1 millisecond; HDTV and IPTV that require 6-8 Mbps bandwidth and 50 millisecond latency; real-time data applications that require a minimum bandwidth of 10 Mbps and a latency of 10 milliseconds; online gaming that requires at least 6 Mbps bandwidth and a latency of 10 milliseconds; and connected communities, which need less than 50 millisecond latency and a bandwidth of 10 Mbps or more.

Applications

One of the most important applications of FTTH is video services, including IPTV and video-on-demand. They are emerging as the most utilised applications and are consequently driving high-bandwidth demand. These services are being used extensively in businesses to expedite decision-making, ensure security and increase coverage. Corporates are increasingly using video services for conducting business meetings across the globe and for sharing expertise through training programmes conducted via videoconferencing.

Another area of opportunity for FTTH is health care services. ISPs     and software companies in partnership with hospitals, health care equipment suppliers, and insurance companies are creating e-health applications that can significantly improve the efficiency of health care services. FTTH’s unlimited bandwidth will enable patients to conduct check-ups through low latency, high quality videoconferencing with their doctors, without having to undertake long journeys. Similarly, doctors will be able to share large data files such as scans and diagnosis reports with their customers online.

FTTH opens up new avenues of cloud computing and provides a flexible approach for entrepreneurs to work online with their clients. It facilitates quick access to shared enterprise applications, and sending and sharing documents as well as audio and video files via the cloud.

Further, it enables telecom operators to provide seamless high speed wireless coverage by integrating 3G and 4G devices with the FTTH network, thereby reducing constraints on their wireless networks. This will allow consumers to connect their wireless devices to watch HD and 3D content via FTTH networks.

Current status

IPTV made its debut in India in 2006, when Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) rolled out these services in Mumbai. It was followed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and various private players. Today, IPTV services are being offered by Bharti Airtel, BSNL, MTNL and Reliance Communications either individually or through franchises. MTNL and BSNL, which already have a strong presence in the wireline segment, have been aggressive in rolling out IPTV services. The operators’ IPTV model is focused on providing triple-play services with the aim of offering other value-added services like broadband, online gaming and e-commerce that can easily be bundled with it. Currently, private operators lack the requisite wireline infrastructure to compete at the national level with state-owned companies.

Though the uptake of IPTV services has been slow due to bandwidth constraints, large-scale deployment of FTTH is likely to drive segment growth. According to a report by Pyramid Research, the IPTV customer base in India is expected to reach 1.7 million by 2013.

Besides, VoIP is poised to see significant growth with the National Telecom Policy (NTP), 2012 allowing all forms of voice communications. Prior to the NTP, 2012, VoIP calls were allowed only between computers within the country, and between a computer in India and a telephone (fixed or wireless) outside the country. Although the government has allowed voice calls between a computer and a phone within India in the new policy, the service provider should hold a unified area service licence to provide such a service. Earlier, broadband speeds of 512 kbps were not adequate for providing VoIP services; however, with FTTH, service providers will be able to cater to user demand for seamless voice services via the internet.