Real World Case 2: Axia SuperNet Ltd.:
SuperNet Will Equalize Rural Alberta
1. What are the benefits and limitations of broadband communications lines?
The benefits of a broadband communication lines include the following:
Improved Business Productivity: through efficiencies in customer relationship management, products and services marketing online and logistics management through the internet. Teleworking and Mobile Access: According to IDC research, the number of telecommuters in western Europe will double from 4.3 million in 2001 to 8.7 million by 2005. Improved Partner Networks: by creating an integrated business ecology that comprises customers, suppliers, partners, and branches, organizations can reduce wasted effort and do things faster and more effectively.
The types of technologies that can supply last mile broadband communications capacity are varied, and each type has its own benefits and limitations. ADSL (and other forms of Digital Subscriber Line technology) and cable are the most common technologies in metropolitan areas. Leased lines (ISDN) provide narrowband connections in many places but this has limitations. Satellite is, technically, available everywhere. Wireless is a possibility in the future but is not currently widely available
as a commercial offering.
The major limitations of Broadband include:
a) Affordability and Availability:
Broadband communications are available using a range of technologies. While there have been advances in the roll out of networks for the delivery of broadband, access to appropriate broadband networks continues to be an issue. ‘Last Mile’, the connection from the backbone (usually at a local exchange) to the premises, is expensive in both metropolitan and regional areas.
b) Standardization and Interoperability:
Inadequate setting of ICT standards can result in a diverse range of incompatible systems across the service sectors and resources being wasted on ‘reinventing the wheel’ at a local level.
c) Reliability:
There have been quite widely reported reliability issues with ADSL leading to a public perception that the technology is not fully mature and is unreliable .
2. What are the possible benefits of Alberta’s SuperNet infrastructure?
Alberta SuperNet is a high-speed, high-capacity broadband network linking government offices, schools, hospitals and libraries. To be completed in 2004, SuperNet is a pathway that lets government, educators and health care workers share and deliver information and services province-wide, and faster than ever before.
Alberta SuperNet will provide Albertans – in their schools, hospitals, libraries, provincial and municipal government offices – with access to the service, economic and personal benefits of e-government, e-learning and e-health.
3. What are the managerial issues in need of attention for implementation of Albert’s SuperNet?
The main project management issues relate to:
Public Sector Coordination of Efforts
Public and Private Sector Collaboration
Cost Containment
Delivery on-time
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