G.fast to be major factor in European Union 2020 vision for broadband penetration

BERLIN, GERMANY: G.fast is a technology that is yet to be fully realized by the industry, but is set to emerge as a major solution for service providers looking to meet European Union broadband penetration targets set out in the Europe 2020 strategy and Digital Agenda initiative.

This was one of the key messages delivered by Robin Mersh, CEO of the Broadband Forum, during a major presentation at the G.fast pre-conference focus day ahead of tomorrow's Fixed Access Networks Summit in Berlin.

Mersh highlighted that G.fast is a global solution for hard-pressed service providers looking to meet the growing customer demand. G.fast will provide from 300 to 800 Mbps with fast, cost-effective deployment, a breakthrough in self-install capabilities due to a unique reverse-power feature, and even the option to use the technology for mobile backhaul.

"Those who think G.fast is just another DSL technology are way off the mark - G.fast is coming fast and it's going to make an enormous difference for service providers and their customers," he told his audience of telecoms operators, regulators and vendors. "G.fast is a giant step away from DSL, borrowing the best from ADSL and VDSL to create a new generation of technology that is lower in power, more efficient, faster and easier to install."

Smaller equipment and self-install capabilities give operators a more cost- effective method of deploying FTTH-speeds to the subscriber's home by deploying fiber up to the last 200m, from which the distribution point can then utilize G.fast to complete the final meters. This avoids the cost of sending a technician, the inefficiency of scheduling technicians, and the inconvenience to the customer of having a technician in their home.