A new report from Point Topic provides an overview of the key trends in DSL and cable modem tariff benchmarks for 18 leading DSL and 16 cable modem operators around the world. The main body of the report analyses fluctuations in DSL prices since March 2000, cable modem prices since June 2003 and makes comparisons between both technologies where possible. Key highlights of this report include: DSL 'entry level' monthly rental prices registered an average 30 percent fall since March 2000, based on a review of monthly rentals offered by a leading set of 18 DSL operators. Monthly rentals for 'entry level' cable modem services fell on average by 21 percent between June 2003 and March 2005, compared to a modest 12 percent fall for DSL operators for the same period. A Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) analysis shows that Europe is becoming cheaper both for DSL and cable modem services than North America, with the Asia Pacific region the cheapest for DSL overall.
What was once a simple, unidirectional flow of electricity from centralized power plants to passive consumers is evolving into a complex, intelligent network where millions of distributed resources actively participate in grid operations. This transformation, powered by smart grid technologies, represents one of the most significant infrastructure shifts of our time. It promises to reshape how we generate, distribute, and consume energy. At its core, the smart grid represents far more than mere digitization of existing infrastructure. This bi-directional capability is fundamental to understanding why smart grids are becoming the backbone of modern energy systems, facilitating everything from real-time demand response to the integration of renewable energy sources. Smart Grid Market Development By 2030, smart grid technologies are projected to cover nearly half of the global electrical grid, up dramatically from just 24 percent in 2025. This expansion is underpinned by explosive gr...