Let’s continue with a theme I raised on Friday.
Last week, as Videotron expanded the reach of its DOCSIS 3.0 ultra-high speed broadband [
pdf, 32KB], it also increased the download caps for its users of 30 and 50 Mbps internet services. It adds pressure to Canadian telephone companies to consider the massive investments (such as a Verizon-like FTTH approach) to compete with cable internet speeds.
In the past, I have called for all levels of government to create more favourable environments for increased broadband investment by all service providers. The most basic incentives would be for the public sector to liberalize access to public rights of way, support structures and vertical real estate such as towers.
Last week, Portugal went even further, setting up an €800M line of credit for operators to roll-out next-generation broadband networks. Governments have many levers that can help stimulate investment in next generation network equipment, including accelerated depreciation for certain classes of capital and matching funds for rural service improvements. Telecom service providers have a track record of being to move quickly to implement their infrastructure projects – much faster than roads, public transit, sewers and bridges.
As governments look for ways to stimulate various sectors of the economy, incentives for investment in digital infrastructure may be among the lowest cost, while delivering the highest returns and most sustainable benefits.