Visiongain says fibre optics are the 'inarguable future'

Demand for high-bandwidth online services means fibre optics are part of the "inarguable future" for broadband, according to Visiongain.

The independent business information provider claimed the popularity of applications such as video streaming and internet protocol TV has persuaded governments and network operators to upgrade their broadband infrastructure.

High-speed internet access has been seen as a premium service until recently, but this is no longer the case, the company insisted.

Visiongain said: "The changing nature of online media has forced telecoms operators into a corner. They must adapt or perish."

For network equipment vendors to be successful, they must be able to integrate "legacy architecture" into next-generation broadband networks, the firm added.

Universal connectivity, gigabit Ethernet and fibre optic broadband networks are expected to become commonplace in developed and emerging markets alike.

Illustrating this trend, Visiongain predicted fixed-line infrastructure revenues will increase rapidly over the coming years, reaching $23.25 billion (£14.65 billion) by the end of 2012.