News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Telecom technologies
• GIS

How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 1: The cost of manual proposal methods

Ever wonder why some fiber providers consistently win contracts while others struggle to close deals? In a recent webinar, we pulled back the curtain on what's really happening in the proposal process. The (not so) shocking reality? Many providers are losing winnable deals due to slow, manual processes, poor visibility into their network assets, and proposals with cost estimates that miss the mark.

• Fiber network management
• Fiber network industry and markets
• Communications service providers
• FTTH

What did FTTH Conference tell us about the future of fibre?

If this year’s FTTH Conference in Amsterdam made anything clear, it’s that the fibre industry is moving faster, growing smarter, and getting a whole lot more collaborative. The exhibition hall was alive with activity, as rows of booths hummed with demos, meetings, and panel debriefs. Conversations were wide-ranging: AI and automation, sustainable transformations, new builds, rural challenges, and, of course, how to plan, deploy, and manage networks that are only getting more complex.

But as much as the conversations varied, there were some common threads.

• Fiber network management
• App modernization
• Press

Along the Path: How can we support network scalability?

Welcome to the 2025 Q2 edition of Along the Path. In this issue, we’re exploring scalability. Often overlooked during the buildout frenzy, scalability is reemerging as a critical component of fiber network management. From operational scalability to system scalability, telcos need the flexibility to adapt to project needs without worrying about overburdening their people or processors.

• Fiber network management
• App modernization
• Digital transformation

Digital transformation - What does it mean for telecom network management?

It feels like the European fixed line telecom market is in change. After a frantic 10 years of network rollout, the industry is finally taking a breath and taking stock of the situation. For many, this pause in capital spend and network build out is allowing them to focus attention on system improvements and efficiencies, namely digital transformation.

• Internet service
• Communications service providers
• Altnets
• FTTH

From buildout to buy-in: What's driving full fibre take-up in the UK?

The UK’s full fibre broadband market is at a critical inflection point. With billions invested in network buildouts over the past few years, the focus has firmly shifted to take-up—how many households are actually subscribing to services. Several recent industry reports have provided various insights and discussions around the current state of play and what’s shaping adoption across the country.

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Communications service providers
• Fiber deployment

2025 and beyond: What’s next for telecom?

Fiber networks have transformed how we live, work, and connect. They power everything from streaming our favorite shows to enabling the smart cities of the future. But as demand skyrockets and technology advances, fiber networks are stepping up to the challenge in ways that go beyond what we’ve seen before. So, what’s next for this critical infrastructure? Let’s explore the trends and technologies shaping the future of telecom.

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Telecom technologies
• Communications service providers

Connected America 2025 recap: Innovations and regulations shaping telecom's future

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the third annual Connected America conference in Dallas. Over 2,200 industry professionals gathered to explore the future of connectivity, and throughout the event, two major themes became apparent: emerging technologies are transforming telecom operations in exciting new ways, and the industry is adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks under the new administration.

• Fiber network design and automation
• Telecom technologies
• Fiber deployment

The hidden costs of not using OSP design software

Some network operators still rely on manual processes or outdated tools for outside plant (OSP) design, assuming they can cut costs by avoiding specialized software. But what seems like a cost-saving measure can often result in unexpected expenses, from labor-intensive rework to project delays and compliance issues. The hidden price of these inefficiencies adds up quickly—delaying revenue, straining budgets, and putting operators at a competitive disadvantage. Let’s break down the financial impact of relying on manual OSP design methods.