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As the major supply lines for the Internet, the smooth functioning of the domestic and international long distance telecommunications infrastructure has never been so critical. Formerly based on older technologies such as high frequency (HF) radio links, microwave and satellite communications this infrastructure is now heavily dependant on fiber optic technology. In order to support this continuing growth, investment in each highly interdependent segment of the network is necessary to sustainably deliver affordable broadband and reliable infrastructure. Individual components include: 1) International backbone (satellite, submarine cables and terrestrial links) 2) International gateway (toll switches, IXPs and data centres) 3) National backbone (satellite, submarine cables, microwave and terrestrial links) 4) National networks (mobile, PSTN and ISP) Weakness in any of these components impacts the entire supply chain of broadband and communications services. Presently, lack of international backbone capacity and high access prices are among the biggest hurdles in achieving universal access to broadband in Asia. This paper focuses on conceptual challenges and specific national examples to examine these issues and make recommendations for the future.

As the major supply lines for the Internet, the smooth functioning of the domestic and international long distance telecommunications infrastructure has never been so critical. Formerly based on older technologies such as high frequency (HF) radio links, microwave and satellite communications this infrastructure is now heavily dependant on fiber optic technology.

In order to support this continuing growth, investment in each highly interdependent segment of the network is necessary to sustainably deliver affordable broadband and reliable infrastructure. Individual components include:

1) International backbone (satellite, submarine cables and terrestrial links)
2) International gateway (toll switches, IXPs and data centres)
3) National backbone (satellite, submarine cables, microwave and terrestrial links)
4) National networks (mobile, PSTN and ISP)

Weakness in any of these components impacts the entire supply chain of broadband and communications services. Presently, lack of international backbone capacity and high access prices are among the biggest hurdles in achieving universal access to broadband in Asia. This paper focuses on conceptual challenges and specific national examples to examine these issues and make recommendations for the future.

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