Cities can now track their progress towards becoming a Gigacity. A new report by the World Broadband Association (WBBA) entitled, ‘Gigacity: unleashing the power of connectivity and innovation’ offers a guide for governments around the world to consider what investments are needed to realize the benefits of Gigacities, SmartCitiesWorld reported.
The report establishes key criteria for an urban area to be characterized as a Gigacity, which is defined as a city where the majority of the population has access to 1 Gbps or greater internet speeds. WBBA believes high-speed gigabit connectivity is essential to maximizing a country’s socioeconomic development. To accomplish that, the report makes recommendations for governments and their telecom regulators to encourage greater fiber deployment.
With rapid urbanization taking place worldwide, WBBA argues that Gigacity investment can ensure high-speed broadband connectivity even in typically underserved, developing markets. Current industry estimates suggest that only a quarter of all households in cities around the world will have 1 Gbps connections by 2028.
WBBA advocates for government bodies to enact legislation that encourages and incentivizes gigabit broadband technology expansion from cities to rural areas so that more people can benefit from high-speed connectivity.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of high-quality, fixed broadband became abundantly clear,” said report co-author Dr. Marcus Brunner, enhanced broadband expert at Huawei, and WBBA working group chair. “In a digitalized society, remaining connected is a necessity. Cities and their residents, businesses and public services can all benefit from gigabit-speed fiber connectivity, but only if greater investment is provided.”
The report also stresses the need for national, regional and local plans and regulations that will drive the development of Gigacities. That includes the adoption of gigabit broadband services, and greater coverage of fiber infrastructure in residential, enterprise and public areas, alongside school buildings. The report highlights the need for greater policy support and financial incentives to advance market development and support universal service obligations.
“We have set out a number of key characteristics, which include the level of fiber-to-the- homes passed, mobile cell site fiber connectivity, median broadband speeds, and more,” said co-author Michael Philpott, research director at Omdia. “As Gigabit city developments continue to increase, we have also set out what is required to actualize 10Gigacities and ensure reliable connectivity for all is maintained.”
10Gigacity involves the delivery of 10 Gbps speeds for home, campus, enterprise and mobile broadband networks, with optimal 5G and FTTH coverage and high user take rates. This means that greater adoption of next-generation mobile and fixed network technology will be essential, the report emphasizes.
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