Ofcom have published a major new consultation called 'Future broadband
- Policy approach to next generation access' in light of the
increasing interest in new technologies requiring significant
investment to meet the increasing demands for bandwidth.

Next generation access networks may take many forms. They may be based
on upgrades to BT's existing copper access network or Virgin Media's
cable network, or a completely new deployment of wired or wireless
infrastructure, each of which has different advantages and
disadvantages. BT has direct copper connections between the exchange
and almost every customer premise in the UK. In contrast Virgin's
network covers around half of all households, and offers a shared
access network using very high capacity fibre and coaxial copper
cables. Wireless networks have obvious advantages for delivering
mobile services but new technologies may also have a role in
delivering very high speed access over large areas in the future. The
organisations that deploy next generation access networks may also
vary, and could include: communications providers; utilities; building
developers; community broadband projects; other new entrants; and, in
some instances, the public sector.

In particular Ofcom are interested in:

Question 1 When do you consider it would be timely and efficient for
next generation access investment to take place in the UK?

Question 2 Do you agree with the principles outlined for regulating
next generation access?

Question 3 How should Ofcom reflect risk in regulated access terms?

Question 4 Do you agree with the need for both passive and active
access remedies to promote competition?

Question 5 Do you consider there to be a role of direct regulatory or
public policy intervention to create artificial incentives for earlier
investment in next generation access?

More details at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/nga/

Regards
Sunil