Private and company use of the Internet could lead to erratic operation of the information network within 3 years unless $137 billion in new infrastructure is put in place to prevent shortages, according to a new study.

Demand for web video, file-sharing and music downloads will prompt the need for more capacity, the study suggests.

Our findings indicate that although core fiber and switching/routing resources will scale nicely to support virtually any conceivable user demand, Internet access infrastructure, specifically in North America, will likely cease to be adequate for supporting demand within the next three to five years, the study read.

Research from the Nemertes Research Groups says additional support in North America alone will require between $42 billion and $55 billion.

Electronics