BROADBAND COMMUNITIES is the leading source of information on digital and broadband technologies for buildings and communities. Our editorial aims to accelerate the deployment of Fiber-To-The-Home and Fiber-To-The-Premises.
Issue link: https://bbcmag.epubxp.com/i/232134
Burbank Water and Power installed a fber optic network for its own needs and then made excess capacity available to local businesses. At BWP, fber optic applications were originally justifed on the basis of improved communications for the control of the utility as well as for other city government uses. However, in 1992, Burbank's vice mayor asked whether BWP could make communications services available to others. Te timing of this inquiry proved fortunate. Changes in communications technology and regulations made construction of a public fber optic network feasible. At the same time, Burbank's entertainment companies had a need for such systems as they converted to digital technology for flm and video production. A public network that would be locally controlled and thus able to quickly meet the specifc needs of Burbank's customers was very desirable. Reviewing and considering the market for this technology took a year and a half. BWP devised a plan to build a fber system that would be able to meet future needs for high- NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 | www.broadbandcommunities.com speed networking. By building on this foundation, as applications improved and customer usage increased over time, BWP could take advantage of maturing technologies as they became available. Te plan took advantage of BWP's existing management structure and the capabilities of existing in-house personnel. Te utility recognized that its marketing and representation would have to be strengthened; however, it decided to begin with little change in stafng levels. | BROADBAND COMMUNITIES | 25