Ethernet in the First Mile

The Primus presentation to the ATUG "Focus Forum on 2009 Telecommunications Reform Package" was a little jargon filled, with Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) and "self healing" networks. There is good competition in the core and distribution networks (fibre connections between city areas). 1 Gbps links are now common for large corporate users. Primus has built its own exchanges, separate from Telstra. In some cases these exchanges are in customer premises.

There is poor competition for the access network to residential consumers. Old copper cable is limiting access. The future (according to Primus) is Passive Optical Network (PON). This is suitable for both residential and business use.

One driver for bandwidth is tele-presence with very high definition video. This is currently for corporates but could extend into the home.