Objective
The long term aims of the project are:
- to explore opportunities for the implementation of IBC in sparsely populated regions
- to outline technically, and economically feasible solutions to meet the above objective
- to support strategic planning for IBC in the less favoured regions (LFRs).
- To specify IBC experiments in rural areas, in order to illustrate the above conclusions.
The long term aims of the project are to explore opportunities for the implementation of integrated broadband communication (IBC) in sparsely populated regions, to outline technically, and economically feasible solutions to meet the above objective, to support strategic planning for IBC in the less favoured regions (LFR) and to specigy IBC experiments in rural areas, in order to illustrate the above conclusions.
A set of evolution scenarios most likely ot be implemented within LFR were identified and assessed. This included the impact of mobile and satellite technologies on LFR, and conversely, how such systems might best be configured to take account of the needs of LFR.
REVOLVE developed a network design computer tool named GRAPHITE which has since been used in research and development in advanced communications technologies in Europe (RACE) projects.
Detailed specifications for broadband network experiments in the Mangualde (Portugal) and Epirus (Greece) areas are being developed. These are mainly focused on the extension of fibre deployment as close to user premises as possibly and on integrating existent telephone services with television. The study will take into account similar experiences in other areas of Europe and the United States. The strategy of REVOLVE for both areas Epirus and Mangualde is based on: a strong local platform involving the local and regional development agents and the local research and development in advanced communications technologies in Europe operator; early implementation and operation of demonstrating systems providing specific applications to some business users in Epirus and the early installation of a broadband pilot, in Mangualde, supporting advance communication experiments for existing local service providers. Business plans for both areas are being developed, with equipment manufactureres helping in the specification of feasible solutions.
Technical Approach
To begin phase 2 of the project, detailed specifications for broadband network experiments in the MANGUALDE (Portugal) and EPIRUS (Greece) areas are being developed. These are mainly focused on the extension of fibre deployment as close to user premises as possible and on integrating existent telephone services with television. The study will take into account similar experiences in other areas of Europe and the USA. The strategy of REVOLVE for both areas EPIRUS and MANGUALDE is based on:
- a strong local platform involving the local and regional development agents and the local telecom operator
- early implementation and operation of demonstrating systems providing specific applications to some business users in EPIRUS
- the early installation of a broadband pilot, in MANGUALDE, supporting advanced communication experiments for existing local service providers.
Key Issue
REVOLVE addresses questions of IBC realisation and European network evolution from the view point of EC Member States containing major LFRs, ie Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Northern Ireland (UK), the 'Mezzogiorno' Region of Italy and the Highlands and Islands Region of Scotland(UK). More than one fourth of the total EC population lives in these LFRs.
Achievements
During phase I of the project, a set of evolution scenarios most likely to be implemented within LFRs were identified and assessed. This included the impact of mobile and satellite technologies on LFRs, and conversely, how such systems might best be configured to take account of the needs of LFRs.
REVOLVE developed a network design computer tool named GRAPHITE which has since been used in RACE projects ATD (R1022) and ADVANCE (R1009). The main conclusions of REVOLVE will be published in two books: Europe Connected or Disconnected? Broadband Networks in Less Developed Regions, and A Network Planner's Reference Guide.
The first results from phase II of the project followed a series of visits to European broadband experiments, to understand the technical and applications solutions under trial. During this phase the project has a specific task to investigate possible funding options. Details on the various EC options that are available (LEADER, ORA, TELEMATIQUE, RACE and the European Investment Bank) have been documented, and as a result, the partners conducting experiments have submitted proposals for funding.
Local platforms have already been established in EPIRUS and MANGUALDE supporting future introduction of services, information gathering, and real cooperation on the specification of possible applications. Business plans for both areas are being developed, with equipment manufacturers helping in the specification of feasible solutions.
Expected Impact
Tools developed by REVOLVE will help strategic planners in those countries having rural populations to consider, thereby contributing significantly to integrated development of IBC in Europe. The specification of trial broadband networks for the EPIRUS and MANGUALDE areas are to be supported by specific business plans prepared by the project. To this extent, the project seeks to provide justification for national and EC investment to extend IBC to LFRs.
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3800 Aveiro
Portugal