Access regulatory remedies in point-to-multipoint fiber access networks

This article analyzes access regulatory remedies in fiber access networks, built by operators with significant market power. A focus is put on point-to-multipoint fiber networks. Considering that such topology generally prevents economically viable wide-spread unbundling of fiber loops, comparable to traditional copper loops, other access remedies at local network level have to be imposed by regulators. These remedies include physical access to fibers in terminating sections of access networks and bitstream access at local nodes. The article gives detail overview of technical aspects of these regulatory remedies. The comparison to traditional copper access networks is also given, as well as importance of imposition of adequate fiber migration paths for alternative operators.