Meta Says Some Essential Requirements Will Be Needed to Support the Metaverse

• Super-fast symmetrical broadband speeds with a one-gigabit bandwidth to transmit the large quantities of data required to build real-time virtual reality.
• Low latency (under 10 milliseconds) which could rule out 5G. Last-mile fibre networks are now available with speeds in this range. Meta is not just talking about the last mile network but also the middle mile network that connects people to the cloud. Middle-mile carriers will need to up their game, according to the firm. Some networks already operate at this speed, while many others do not.
• We will need higher resolution video since 4K is insufficient to express the pixels necessary for creating immersive environments. That implies big data files.
• The next generation of video compression is needed to compress large data files in real-time and then decompress these huge files without delaying the signal.
• Various parties will have to collaborate on the network to function in real-time. Today, network operators employ traffic optimisation techniques, while content providers optimise their material using a real-time integrated approach that includes all participants in the Metaverse.
• Metaverse software must have the capacity to shape and adapt to the user. The metaverse system must be able to adjust to the unique network conditions in order for it to work with fibre customers. The Netflix control centre reduces the video signal in a minor way today to match a user’s bandwidth.
• Meta did not mention that we would need ISPs to provide the fast 2-way traffic required to make the metaverse function in people’s homes.

Network Requirements

For the Metaverse, we recommend a minimum of 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) for both upstream and downstream traffic. If you are only using the Metaverse to view content, you may be able to get away with less bandwidth. However, if you plan to interact with other users or stream high-quality video, you will need a higher bandwidth connection.

Where Is Gigabit-Broadband Available in the UK?

According to telecoms regulator Ofcom, in September 2021, 46% of UK homes had a gigabit-broadband connection.

By the end of 2021, Virgin Media O2 had completed an upgrade of its network so that all connected properties could enjoy gigabit download speeds. Following this upgrade, broadband speeds up to 1 Gbps are expected to be available in 2022 to 60% of UK addresses.

According to the broadband data website Thinkbroadband, 66% of properties had gigabit-speed broadband available during February 2022. Thinkbroadband uses a different approach to Ofcom, and its data is published weekly. Its coverage figures tend to be a few percentage points higher than Ofcom estimates that follow later. Ofcom’s next release, showing data from January 2022, will be published in May.

The Government’s broadband data dashboard tool enables users to see where gigabit broadband is accessible by constituency.

Government Targets

The Government’s campaign promise was to provide nationwide gigabit broadband by 2025. That target was revised in November 2020 to a minimum of 85% of premises by 2025 and 100% by 2030.

The Government has also said it wants all new housing developments to have gigabit-broadband as standard by 2025 with speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps – around 25 times faster than the average UK home connection.

In the Levelling Up White Paper published in February 2022, the Government set a new goal for gigabit-broadband: to be available nationwide by 2030. We mean “at least 99%” of locations when referring to covering the entire nation.

The Government says it remains committed to covering 85% of premises by 2025. On the other hand, the ‘nationwide-by-2030’ target establishes a deadline for connecting the remaining 15% of premises and would mostly need public financing support.

The 2030 target is regarded as more achievable by industry specialists, yet the delay from 2025 has been called a “blow to rural communities.” According to the Government, the revised targets reflect how quickly businesses may develop in hard-to-reach locations that require public investment alongside their commercial roll-out.

The Public Accounts Committee stated in January 2022 that it was “not convinced” that the Government would be able to meet its goals, declaring that its approach to gigabit-broadband roll-out “risks perpetuating digital inequality across the UK.”

How Will Gigabit-Broadband Be Rolled Out?

The Government intends for private investment to drive most of the fibre-optic network construction. Private businesses choose when and where to build infrastructure based on profit considerations. In addition, several firms are constructing new networks, including those with modest start-ups that focus on specific geographic regions.

The UK government has set aside £5 billion to provide gigabit-broadband connections to properties not served by the commercial sector (about 20% of the population). Almost all of these properties are located in rural regions. The Library briefing covers funding options for these locations.

Policy Reforms Required to Meet the Gigabit Broadband Target

The goal of the Government’s gigabit broadband roll-out plan is to implement legislative changes to make infrastructure development easier for the telecommunications industry and encourage a competitive market for new networks.

The Government has been working on measures to make accessing the properties for infrastructure development easier and ensure that future properties are built with gigabit-broadband connections. Industry stakeholders have also pushed for more significant tax relief on new gigabit projects and for the Government to tackle skilled labour shortages that might delay deployment.

The Public Accounts Committee was critical in January 2022, claiming that the Government had “still not taken significant action to remove barriers” to improve the efficiency of the roll-out.

In recent years, commercial investment and construction projects have mushroomed. For example, the National Infrastructure Commission’s president and chief executive James Heath said in November 2021 that the Commission now felt the Government had a “clear plan in place” for digital infrastructure roll-out that was “working so far”. The Government says it is confident that by 2025, 85% of businesses will be able to connect.

iceConnect’s Opinion on the Government’s Plans and Proposals

As an IT and telecoms provider, iceConnect welcomes all proposals and plans to improve network infrastructure in the UK and across the world, for that matter. However, even the revised 100% coverage from 2025 to 2030 isn’t going to happen.
It will be a tremendous job to build fibre optic infrastructure for every home and business in the UK, which will require an enormous amount of human resources and money. Unfortunately, most of these resources have to come out of the private sector, which means profit will be the incentive. Gov’t initiatives are notorious for their exorbitant prices and delays. Instead, we believe they should extend the goal of 100% fibre coverage to at least 2035.

Future-Proofing Your Business for the Metaverse With a Leased Line

A leased line is the best way to future proof your business when the Metaverse becomes more mainstream. Leased lines offer dedicated, symmetrical speeds that are not shared with anybody else, making them ideal for businesses that need guaranteed performance.

What is a Leased Line?

A leased line is a private, direct connection between two locations. The connection is not shared with anyone else, so you will always have the total bandwidth. Leased lines are typically used by businesses who need guaranteed performance from their internet connection. The Metaverse is a perfect example of an application that would benefit from a leased line.

Choosing a Leased Line

When choosing a leased line provider, select one with a robust network that can handle the increased traffic from the Metaverse. The Metaverse can place high demands on your bandwidth and network, so it is essential to have a provider that can keep up.
With a leased line, you can be sure that your business will be able to take advantage of the Metaverse without any issue. The Metaverse offers a completely new way of doing business, and with a leased line, you can be sure that you’re prepared for it.

What is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the volume of data that can be transferred between two points in a given amount of time. It is measured in bits per second (bps). The higher the bandwidth, the more data can be transferred in a given time period.

What bandwidth speed can you get with a leased line?

The answer is: it depends on your network requirements. If you need a high bandwidth connection for the Metaverse, you should look into leasing a line with 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) of bandwidth or more. However, if your network can get by with less bandwidth, you may be able to find a cheaper option that still meets your needs.

Getting Your Business Infrastructure Ready For the Metaverse

If you’re looking to take advantage of the Metaverse, ensure you have a leased line with enough bandwidth to support your needs. The Metaverse can and will be an amazing way to do business, but it requires a robust network to run smoothly. For example, iceConnect can help you find the perfect leased line for your business. Contact us today to learn more!