Question 2

[fiwipie]

Do respondents feel that the cost analysis for fixed-line Next Generation Access is still valid, and if not, what are the latest estimates?

[fiwipie]

The overall cost to deploy world class NGA continues to reduce to levels increasingly within rational range of private sector investment

– the reduction in cost of actual network infrastructure building being derived in part as a late-comers windfall in that the UK can pick and choose the best practice from more Digitally Developed nations in Europe, America, Asia, Africa

– the inverse of the Industrial Revolution, learning from others rather than learning from trial and error.

[cyberdoyle]

considering how many white and blue collar people are currently out of work and costing billions, I think they should be employed to deliver NGA. BT have laid thousands off so the jobs will be there for the taking. There are many ducts, poles and wayleaves already owned by the incumbent. Put the two together, and next gen could be delivered easily, quickly and cheaper than quotes I have seen. BT have already doubled the number of deployments because they have admitted their original quotes were far too high. Nobody has factored in the scrap value of the copper either 

[lightmyfibre]

Was the cost-analysis EVER valid?? There is strong evidence that the A-M figures have always been wrong, and (allegedly) are based purely on BT figures, not alternatives.

There is now substantial proof that alt nets can deploy fibre far cheaper than BT. There is evidence from abroad that non-incumbent projects have far lower costs than incumbent-led ones and zero reasons to assume that this would not be/is not the case here in the UK.

However, argue too hard that it is cheaper for a utility company or community project to do so, and the funds will be reduced! BUT, on the other hand, if it can be proven from the outset of the Fund that there are projects who can deliver enterprise quality networks for less money and you set a baseline for all other projects, including BT.