Broadband access networks-whatever happened to fiber-to-the-home?

By combining the latest technologies and architectures, including passive optical networks and loop lasers, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) can come close to or even match the installed cost of other alternatives depending on the application. Additionally, FTTH offers operational economies during its installed life (e.g., related to powering, maintenance, provisioning, and upgrading), making it ultimately the most economical means to deliver broadband services. Clearly, FTTH should be considered for an important, near-term role in many broadband infrastructures.