AT&T, COS Systems Co-Lead February Fiber Standards Body to Fix North America Open-Access Bottleneck
Updated
Updated · BroadbandBreakfast.com · May 18
AT&T, COS Systems Co-Lead February Fiber Standards Body to Fix North America Open-Access Bottleneck
2 articles · Updated · BroadbandBreakfast.com · May 18
A new industry standards body launched in February with AT&T and Sweden-based COS Systems as co-leads, targeting a key obstacle to scaling open-access fiber in North America.
The group is focused on the integration bottleneck that has slowed the model, in which one network owner leases fiber infrastructure to multiple competing internet service providers.
Open-access fiber has been promoted as a way to expand network use and retail competition, making interoperability standards central to broader adoption.
The launch was delayed by 1 week, underscoring the coordination challenges even before the body begins setting common standards.
With AT&T co-leading, how will new open access standards truly foster competition against established telecom giants?
As billions in federal funding roll out, can a new industry forum truly accelerate America's fiber build-out?