Their goal is to provide the public with 100 megabit fiber service for prices that undercut ADSL by Christmas 2001. If EarthSun succeeds, it could trump the existing cable versus DSL squabbles. Given the existing infrastructure with which both cable and telephone companies are presently encumbered, it might prove impossible for DSL and cable to scale up to this level of service in any meaningful way. EarthSun and other next-generation optical firms would duke it out to provide better, cheaper fiber with a vast array of services. In turn, a cable links the customers' antenna to a modem connected to his or her computer.
Broadcast towers link to the long haul fiber network, either directly or by microwave.
Presently, these services are in trial, attempting to develop solutions for the limitations imposed on them by distance, atmospheric interference, and line of sight. An excellent article. Thanks for keeping us informed of the future and it's implications and the insight it provides into tomorrow's society.