Lessons learned from multimedia field trials in Germany

2021

Preprint

This paper describes the deployment of a residential broadband network by relating two parallel but contrasting stories. Story 1 considers network providers' search for a killer application to drive demand for broadband networks, while Story 2 suggests that consumers have already found a killer application in e-mail and basic connectivity. It appears that residential broadband networks are currently being developed with a Story 1 perspective in mind. Story 2 should be assessed in the context of its historical persistence and significance. The implications for future development of residential broadband networks are considered when both stories are accepted as plausible.

Section: Residential Broadband Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Who Needs a 'Killer App'? Two Perspectives on Content in Residential Broadband Networks

2021

Preprint

“…Despite this growing consumer interest in residential broadband services, there is very little academic research that considers how consumers use broadband networks. Most of the research published to date has focused on technical issues, related primarily to network infrastructure choice and configuration and to mechanisms for deploying content over broadband networks (Bartsch and Auer, 1997;Di Concetto, et al, 1999;Rath, et al, 1997;Zahariadis, et al, 1997). This technical work is essential for the development of broadband networks, but does not offer any insights as to how consumers actually use the services to which they have access, nor does it offer any guidance to providers as to what services are likely to be successful.…”

Section: Residential Broadband Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Learning from the Netcom trial: implications for the deployment of residential broadband networks

2021

Preprint

“…Brodeur & Agarwal, 1996;Mason, 1997;Vollmer, 1995;Zeiger, 1995), but many trials were proprietary, and very few results were published. Of those that were published, most focused on technical issues, related primarily to network infrastructure choice and configuration and to mechanisms for deploying content over broadband networks (Bartsch & Auer, 1997;Di Concetto et al, 1999;Rath et al, 1997;Zahariadis et al, 1997). This technical work was essential for the development of broadband networks, but did not offer any insights as to how consumers actually used the services to which they had access, nor did it offer any guidance to providers as to what services were likely to be successful.…”

Section: Perceptions Of Broadband Success: Data From Trial and Commercial Broadband Deployments The Netcom Trialmentioning

confidence: 99%

What If There Is No Killer Application? An Exploration of a User-Centric Perspective on Broadband

2021

Preprint

This paper explores user and provider experiences with broadband networks. Drawing on data from an early broadband trial and from recent studies of consumer broadband usage, the validity of the commonly held view that widespread adoption of broadband is dependent upon the development of a killer application is challenged. It is argued that access to broadband can be valuable for users without the provision of a killer application and that the dynamics of broadband development are shifting. As more users become content creators and distributors and as it becomes easier for consumers to establish broadband networks without help from traditional providers, the existing relationships within the broadband industry will change. Broadband researchers and stakeholders in the development of broadband networks are encouraged to explore and understand the implications of these changes, recognizing that there is much to be learned about deploying broadband in ways that will create the broad societal benefits promised by its promoters.