Europe
On December 8, a rare combination of network stakeholders set down together in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to do something even more unheard of: to jointly sing a tribute to open networks. Underscoring the need for open networks on the one hand and the need for a platform for dialogue for all stakeholders on the other, the Dutch have moved to launch 'BreedNed,' the national association for open networks.
The combination of stakeholders was somewhat rare, as they included incumbent telco's and cable companies as well as public and private entities making headway with next generation broadband networks, FttH included - entities used to face each other off in court battles at countless occassions. The key motivation to their cooperation envisioned is "interoperability". Although they may continue to compete and disagree on several counts, most stakeholders realize new infrastructures emerge locally at an incredible pace. Interoperability of such networks is in in the interest of all. Regular working groups will be initiated and get together as to agree on technical, organizational and financial principles allowing for such interoperability. However, BreedNed does not restrict itself to technical debates only. It boasts a lists of definitions and principles with regard to open, high bandwidth and interoperable networks all joining stakeholders must embrace before they can in fact join. BreedNed is to celebrate is first set of working group sessions and institutional launch in Eindhoven, the Netherlands on April 4, 2007.
For more information, contact info@breedned.org.