FTTP moving up the to-do list for 2004 By Jim Duffy, Network World, 12/15/03 reports that the Regional Bell operating companies plan to begin deploying Fiber To The Premises (also known as Fiber To The Home, or FTTH) technology next year, quoting a build-out cost of $600 to $1,000 per home (quite a bit less than the $2,869 per home estimated by the UTOPIA project).

How fast they move depends in part on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) policies. The Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) say "the FCC's recent Triennial Review of policies regarding competitor access to RBOC facilities still needs clarification before the Bells continue to invest in and build out new broadband infrastructure such as FTTP." In fact, Verizon recently issued a press release calling on the FCC to issue "clear rules, clear direction and a clearly thought-out policy" with respect to broadband networks and services.

According to the article Verizon to FCC: Broadband Policy Is Highest Priority, by Roy Mark (January 27, 2003), "The FCC is expected to issue a ruling on Feb. 13 that will revise the rules imposed on the regional Bell operating companies to lease their lines and switching equipment with competitors at steeply discounted rates."... "The Bells contend the current rules have stymied investment in new fiber networks and have given the cable companies an unfair advantage in rolling our broadband service."

For those yearning for a concise definition of FTTH, Jim Duffy offers:

"FTTP defines a set of common technical requirements for extending fiber-optic cabling and equipment to homes and businesses. The industry standard-compliant specifications will grease the skids for deployment of next-generation broadband networks that deliver high-bandwidth Internet, voice and video services and applications to corporations and residences. "

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