Does it really make any sense at all for there to be several mostly
identical broadband networks anywhere when all that's needed is
one good one?
Well, typically and ILEC (incumbent local exchange carrier, e, g.
AT&T, Qwest, VZ, Frontier, Alltel, CenturyLink, etc.) is only going to
build out in its own footprint. That would be areas where the ILEC
all ready owns the switched landline network (and the mostly fiber
interswitch network).
You only see duplication in the case of cable, which overlays
everyone's territory, but that's a mostly copper coax network that
uses a different service delivery model.
There are differences in how individual ILECS implement the fiber
distribution network. AT&T Uverse is based on a FTTC (fiber to
the curb) model, which distributes the fiber to curb-level nodes,
which then use existing copper lines for the final "mile" to the home
or business.
VZ uses a FTTP (fiber to the premise) model, which requires an
individual ONT (optical network terminal) at each served location.
This is more expensive initially, but offers greater bandwidth.
I'm not sure what Qwest's delivery model is.
Anyway, there's little duplication for a given terrritory, except in
the case of faciities based CLECs (competitive local exchange
carriers). These can be colocators, i. e. they lease CO floor space
in an ILEC's CO, but own their own switches and fiber. In that case
there is duplication, but not to a significant extent.
Or, they can have their own POP (point of presence) in a wholly
owned or leased structure separate from the ILEC.
When Southwestern Bell bought AT&T (and promptly renamed
itself AT&T) the AT&T long distance POPs were all ready colocated
in SW Bell COs. When VZ bought MCI, the MCI long distance.
POPs were largely in separate structures, due to the historical nature
of the Bell System.
When VZ bought GTE (GTE was never part of the Bell System), we
also bought their ILEC territories. No duplication in most cases.
It's a bit more complicated than that when you parse it down to the
individual acquistion/resale level, and trust me you don't want me to
discuss the leasing let alone the wireless situation. But the net result
across the USA has been a fairly low level of network duplication.
In sum, the Bell System has been reintegrating since divestiture.
If this is clear at all, please let me know. Even I find it hard to keep
track of who's on first :-).
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