Challenges

The description of the localnet services sounds too good to be true. Some of it reads like science fiction predictions of fifty years ago. Do we have the technology to deliver it and If so, why hasn’t it been done before?

In this Chapter we discuss the key obstacles to realising this vision.

• Is it Possible? - could we make it happen and if so, why hasn't it already been done?
• The Vested Interests: those who would probably rather it didn't happen
• The Critical Mass problem: it can only work if almost all properties in a significant area adopt it
• The Economics of the proposition: can it be developed and subsequently run profitably
• The social and political dimensions of such a radical change to the way we live are very important.
• There are, undoubtedly, some technical challenges to be overcome.
• Even with the technology to hand, there are operational issues that need to be addressed.