DECEMBER - JANUARYTELECOM BUSINESS REVIEW9The reality of the world today is that there is no longer a demarcation point between the broadband service provided to the customer and connectivity to all devices within the customer's home. Not all homes are created equal and providing a true wireless connection to every corner and breakfast nook with the same signal strength and capacity has been a challenge for providers and customers. This expectation has challenged the WiFi equipment manufacturers to develop stronger antennas, more signal power, meshed network capabilities to allow seamless transfer between units as customers move within their homes, and easy-to-use, app-based visibility into the WiFi networks for customers and the providers. This has added a layer of complexity for the average customer who really just wants the provider to determine what they need and manage it for them. Customers just want it to work ­ and rightly so!Exacerbating the challenge further: the introduction of the internet of things (IoT) world where homes now have smart devices to control lights, doors, garages, thermostats, cameras, and more. All of these very handy devices have pushed the limits of WiFi even further and introduced other concerns such as cybersecurity exposures for customers. AsISPoptions and the associated stress of staying connected have grown, home internet has become overwhelming for the average customer, and the service provider is in the perfect position to help make it simple and easy. Technology solution providers' mission is to provide the most reliable high-speed bandwidth availableand take the complexity out of technology so that the garage door always opens, the lights dim to the sound of your voice and your doorbell camera captures each package and visitor as they arrive.Along with impeccable service delivery, the industry is answering the call for better customer service with an explosion of tech solutionsthat are constantly being developed. WiFi 5, with wireless speeds up to 1 Gbps, is the norm for in-home deployment, and WiFi 6 is becoming mainstream with 10 Gbps capacity. XGS-PON is being deployed, pushing the 1 Gbps maximum capacity of the pastup to 10 Gbps capacity. Wireless heat mapping of customer homes to ensure solid coverage in every corner is the standard installation practice, and open visibility to all devices and utilization within the home is available to both the customer and the provider. All things someone surfing TV channels in 2003 may have never thought possible.After nearly 30 years in the industry, it's exciting to feel like we've put in the work to now enjoy the reward ­ millions of jobs maintained throughout a global pandemic because of reliable, high-speed internet, for one. While technology has been evolving for decades, there's never been a closer lenson the way it shapes our lives, and vice versa. The ongoing feedback loop of growing customer expectations and leapfrogging technological advancements is driving our industry forward and keeping us sharp. Personally, I can't wait to see what the next few years bring. The strange and wonderful world of quantum is here to stay. Exactly how it will pan out is however a much harder call
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