Changing internet usage modes are making a strong case for higher upload speeds.
Business and residential subscribers are constantly demanding more bandwidth. Historically, most of this demand has been for downstream bandwidth, with users accessing content from the internet. Now, though, users are generating copious amounts of content of their own.
Accompanying the trend in content creation are changes in network utilisation and new applications that are demanding greater upstream bandwidth – forcing carriers to swim against competitive currents. Video serves as a good example. To compete with cable and satellite providers, many carriers are now offering internet protocol television, video on demand and digital video recording, as well as other value added services that require greater upstream bandwidth.