The Increase of Broadband Subscriptions (demand to BB) due to Reduction in Prices and Revolution of Technology (Fiber to the Home)

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The Increase of Broadband Subscriptions (demand to BB) due to Reduction in Prices and Revolution of Technology (Fiber to the Home)

Introduction

Today, broadband network has gained much attention from the public because of its contribution to social and economic development. This recognition is evidenced in many studies, both theoretical and empirical research. As a result, many policies and initiatives have been developed and implemented in most countries around the world to make broadband available throughout a country. Some instruments can be seen in the form laws, rules, and regulations being issued to telecommunications market, and some instruments are based on several kinds of government supports. However, with globalization and sustainability impacts, the policy impetus for broadband should be shifted toward a means to facilitate future development. This changing emphasis due particularly to environmental aspect impacts the design of policy instruments.

Problem Statement of the study

Broadband connections in the UAE and the Middle East are among the most expensive worldwide, with high-end subscriptions costing more than Dh8,000 (US$2,178) a year. Even though technological revolution has a profound effect to the changes of society for hundred years since the industrial revolution in 18th century (Bell, 1999), no technology could compress time and space as telecommunications system has done. It compresses time by enabling the synchronization of many different human activities, and compresses space by allowing people to communicate over great distances (Tomlinson, 2010).

Research Questions

Following are the research questions for the proposed study:

How broadband connections are beneficial for home users?

What is the impact of reduced prices on broadband subscriptions?

How the revolution of technology has emphasized importance of broadband connections?

Middle East

The Middle East has been characterized by fast-growing telecom networks with the latest technologies. WiMAX networks have been envisioned to bridge the gap in broadband wireless connectivity. A number of networks have been installed for trials and commercial services at a rapid pace in the Middle East.

Bahrain

Anationwide WiMAX service is now available in Bahrain. The service is provided by Zain (formerly mobile telecommunications company, MTC). It provides broadband access and fixed line (nomadic) services. Zain™ is offering the services under Zain@home branding which bundles broadband, mobile, and fixed line services.

Saudi Arabia

A number of WiMAX deployments have taken place in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC) has rolled out a nationwide WiMAX network with technology from Redline communications and WiMAX forum-certified products. This network is operational in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. In Riyadh, a city-wide network has been commissioned in cooperation with Intel and Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). Bayanat Al-Oula, a telecommunications company, is also rolling out its WiMAX network based on technology from Samsung.

UAE

In UAE, two operators, Etisalat and du (a mobile operator) have been issued licenses in the 3.5 GHz band for mobile WiMAX and the networks of the two operators have been rolled out.

Egypt

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) in Egypt has opened up the band ...