The specs took 10 years to write, and they're still not finished. Trials haven't resulted in many new services. Meanwhile, Ethernet offers a faster, cheaper way to solve the problem. It's a logical leap. Ethernet has gained wider acceptance in recent years, especially for use in metropolitan area networks and homes.
Users have Ethernet-compatible PCs.
Ethernet is universally supported as an IP protocol. From our perspective, Ethernet is the latest no-brainer in residential access. Organizers backing Ethernet PONs plan to meet this month to discuss the official setup of a group. Reportedly, the goal is to create a consortium, in which participating vendors will pay membership fees. Interest in the new IEEE group was reportedly overwhelming, and a meeting will convene at the IEEE P802.3 interim committee meeting in Irvine, Calif., the week of January 8, to discuss its agenda.