Changes needed to reap benefits of vectored VDSL2

Communications Alliance has advocated significant regulatory changes that are needed to ensure that the benefits of vectored VDSL2 can be realised if this technology is incorporated into a reworked National Broadband Network (NBN).

The Communications Alliance submission to the Vertigan Review of Regulatory Arrangements for the NBN draws in part on the work undertaken by the CA working committee on VDSL2 and vectoring, which is revising the relevant code and standard to facilitate the rollout of VDSL2 in Australia.

The working committee - which includes leading subject-matter experts from services providers, infrastructure providers and equipment manufacturers - recommends that to be able to take advantage of the higher data transfer rates available through the use of vectoring (and to avoid interference or service instability), regulations will need to:

• authorise a single design authority to coordinate all node locations in the FTTN rollout (including those that may be operated by non-NBN Co providers);
• specify that no more than one operator be authorised to provide services from each node (noting that services can be provided on an open access basis to allow other operators to reach end users via the node); and
• consider potential transition arrangement to enable spectral compatibility to be maintained during the transition period in which both FTTN VDSL2 services from the node and legacy services from the local exchange are permitted to coexist in the same cables.

The submission also explores the potential need for greater stakeholder role clarity, particularly in relation to the development of operational processes that involve NBN Co and service providers. In this section, Communications Alliance reiterates its willingness to continue to expand its leadership role in developing technical standards and operational arrangements.

In addition, the Satellite Services Working Group (SSWG) of Communications Alliance made a separate submission in response to the panel’s framing paper. The submission can be found here.