1.19. Upgrade the Existing ISP Network

As discussed, SPs generally had substantial ISP networks installed on dedicated IP infrastructure. The broadband access technologies already deployed for Internet connectivity were viewed as the fastest way to implement services across residential users, the majority of the SPs’ customer base. This same technology could also be leveraged to connect small/medium-sized business customers for value-added services beyond Internet access.

These ISP networks had evolved over more than a decade, with operational equipment often spanning this entire period. Many ISPs started with dialup remote access servers and low-bandwidth links for applications such as email.