Original article Total Telecom:Read More
Viewpoint
by Fernando Molina, CTIO at nexfibre
Can we build the UK’s digital infrastructure based on not just today’s needs, but tomorrow’s?
This is the question at the heart of the UK’s connectivity ambitions. It’s no secret that the UK has lagged behind its peers in Europe on full-fibre rollout. However, as the demand for low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity accelerates, this delay could actually work towards the UK’s advantage. We must use this opportunity to lay down the right infrastructure to capitalise on our digital potential and not just to catch up, but to lead the way.
Future-proofing our fibre network
When it comes to national infrastructure, building for today means that it will already be outdated by the time it’s live. The long lead times, enormous investments and regulatory challenges mean that future-proofing is crucial, or we risk being left behind once again.
Over the past two decades, we’ve seen how quickly expectations shift: from dial-up to streaming; from basic browsing to real-time collaboration. As AI, automation, and use cases such as remote surgery and digital twins become mainstream, latency is emerging as a critical differentiator. This is about more than just gaming or buffering. These emerging applications demand real-time responsiveness. True digital interactivity will require infrastructure that can keep pace with next-generation technology.
Just think about video calls. A decade or two ago, it would have been almost impossible to work entirely remotely, because of the poor connection speed. In the near future, with the right infrastructure and hardware, it’s possible that remote work could be indistinguishable from in-person.
Not all fibre is created equal
Today, many fibre networks in the UK still rely on older GPON technology – something that’s still currently being rolled out. While it’s sufficient for most business and consumer use-cases currently, this technology will become obsolete within a matter of years.
Instead, XGS-PON offers symmetric speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Having symmetrical bandwidth is especially important for applications requiring high upload capacity. In fact, a recent survey we conducted with members of the Internet Service Provider’s Association (ISPA), found that over half of respondents said they would prefer to run their services through XGS-PON only. The UK’s ISPs recognise the need for future-proofing their offerings, and they need an underlying infrastructure that supports this.
The cost of compromise
It is fair to say that more advanced infrastructure like XGS-PON does tend to require greater expenditure upfront.
That said, delaying these investments risks entrenching outdated networks and customer premise equipment, that will need upgrading before long. The cost of compromise isn’t just financial, it’s strategic. Deploying out-dated technology today means paying again tomorrow, both in upgrades and lost competitiveness.
With the incumbent provider still deploying GPON, and at the same time communicating a reduction in capex expenditure, one wonders how the much-needed upgrades will be funded, whilst also striving to meet the Government’s 2030 target.
Instead, we advocate taking a long-term view. By investing in XGS-PON now, we avoid future bottlenecks, reduce wasteful duplication, and enable the UK to lead in cutting-edge use cases from AI to smart manufacturing.
There are sustainability benefits too. Fibre consumes significantly less energy than older technologies, and by implementing future-ready systems today, we avoid the environmental cost of repeated rebuilds and customer equipment renewals just a few years down the line.
Conclusion
The UK faces a generational opportunity to renew its connectivity infrastructure. The government has recognised that digitally connecting our cities, towns and communities is essential for them to thrive, and the economic opportunity is substantial. The deployment of future-proof technologies will allow a fast, clean and seamless adoption of advanced digital solutions both in homes and businesses.
So too is there recognition of the need to transition away from legacy infrastructure, with ambitious goals to achieve nationwide gigabit-capable broadband by 2030. The decisions we make today will define the quality and capabilities of our future digital economy. It’s vital that we ensure our broadband network is ready for the future: we must strive to lead globally, rather than risk being left behind again.
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