Our Service Providers telephone or "voice" services, are packet-based and use, as the service is more commonly known, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Though packet-based voice transmissions have been available for some time using computers, microphones, and speakers, the quality of "phone calls over the internet" has been less than adequate. Because voice data in these previous environments was treated the same as all other data transmitted over the internet, "phone calls over the internet" competed with other data transmissions for priority and delivery of packets, and thus these phone calls experienced interruptions, loss, and delay.
The NanoFibre network prioritizes voice data so that it takes precedence over standard data transmissions. This ensures an uninterrupted conversation without lag or loss. Numerous companies have perfected VoIP technology and, using NanoFibre’s network, will be able to provide telephone service that not only equals, but exceeds, the quality of phone service currently available using the copper lines connected to your phone.
Additionally, because voice is transmitted as data, there are many more services potentially available for telephone service over the NanoFibre Network. True full-motion video phone calls could be an option. Caller ID can be displayed on your computer or on your TV screen if you wish. Local service calling areas could be expanded. The potential options are numerous.
Perhaps more importantly, the NanoFibre network is facilitating competition, which keeps rates at market level. Since our network is open, consumers will eventually have numerous choices for a variety of services. Even without the added benefits that VoIP delivers, that in itself makes NanoFibre an exciting option for telephone service.
Service Providers offering video programming on the NanoFibre network will deliver digital content via Internet Protocol (IP). Although IP Video had its challenges in the past, those issues have been resolved and the technology is solid.
Because IP video packets are essentially data packets, video content can be manipulated in ways analog broadcasts never could be. VCR-type functionality for IP programming, such as pause, rewind, fast-forward, and so on, can enhance the viewing experience for subscribers. Users may be able to customize their viewing experience by choosing from various available camera angles, by time-shifting their favorite programs, and even by selecting specific aspects of content, such as which news stories to listen to during the evening news.
Along with interactive TV programming, users can benefit from video-on-demand and extensive on-line movie libraries. The ease of distributing video over the NanoFibre network should spawn a significant increase in consumer-based content, including real-time distribution of live local public events such as local council meetings, local school sporting events, music performances, and so on. Users will also be able to customize access to video programming: by creating distinct user accounts that require logging in, parents can limit the type, timing, and amount of video programs each of their children can access.
Traditional programming content (local broadcast channels, specialty channels, etc.) is determined by the Service Providers, but the open-access nature of the NanoFibre network should ensure that multiple video service providers will constantly compete to deliver the type of programming content consumers demand.
Perhaps the most noticeable performance increase in telecom services over the Nanofibre network will be in Internet service. Currently, Internet users have two cost-effective options for accessing the internet: dial-up service (using modems that operate between 28.8 and 56 Kbps baud) or little broadband (also referred to as narrowband), including satellite, DSL, and cable modems (typically between 256Kbps and 5 Mbps). Faster connections (T-3 and higher) are too expensive for average homeowners and small business owners.
The NanoFibre network will support internet connections that are hundreds (100 Mbps connections) and even thousands (1 Gbps connections) of times faster than the best current little broadband connections.
As a minimum, NanoFibre will deliver 100 Mbps of bandwidth to every connected home or business. Not all of that needs to be allocated to Internet connectivity, but it can be, if desired. Though this may be overkill for simple web surfing and email access, it is important to note that more and more, services are converging. Video, voice, and data are becoming intertwined, and video and voice transmissions are being digitized and can be transmitted as "data" over the Internet. The need for higher capacity connections is increasing rapidly. While other technologies like cable and DSL may realize modest increases in capacity over time, they will never match the capacity of fibre.
Automated Meter Reading, or AMR uses technology to read devices such as water, gas and electricity meters. Columbia Valley communities who have installed water meters can have them read using a small in-home device and the data is transferred back to a central database for billing or analysis. This provides several benefits for the homeowner; 1) - billing can be based on actual consumption, not just estimates and 2) - usage information can be immediate so families can learn to use less water and hydro, and 3) - leak detection. NanoFibre will read meters for all homes serviced by the Windermere Water & Sewer company as we will locate our fibre optic cable with their water and sewer pipes during the installation of those services.