News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

• Fiber network management
• 3-GIS | Web
• Fiber deployment
• Fiber network planning

Making the most of duct space: Challenges and opportunities

When people talk about fiber networks, the spotlight usually goes to the cable itself. But ducts, the conduit that carries it all, may be the most undervalued asset in the ground. Managed well, they can speed up deployments, extend the life of infrastructure, and even open up new revenue streams through leasing. Managed poorly, they become a bottleneck that slows projects and inflates costs.

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Telecom technologies
• App modernization

Our top takeaways from ISE EXPO 2025

The 3-GIS team just wrapped a week in New Orleans for the 2025 ISE EXPO. What really stood out? A push for faster operations, smarter automation, and better data utility. From conversations on the show floor to sessions like Leveraging AI and Automation to Streamline Network Data, some themes began to emerge. The solution to telecom complexity? Teams are realizing it starts with better management of the data they encounter day in and day out.

• Fiber network management
• Fiber network industry and markets
• Press

Telecom industry pulse: July 2025 recap

Network news roundup

July brought a mix of expansion, consolidation, and rising urgency around telecom infrastructure. From surging enterprise demand for network-as-a-service to billion-dollar fiber acquisitions and growing alarm over network vandalism, the month highlighted just how vital fast, secure, and adaptable connectivity has become. Meanwhile, federal leadership shifts signal new momentum for broadband funding, and the 2025 Esri User Conference showcased how GIS technology continues to reshape fiber planning, data integrity, and field operations.

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Press

SSP Innovations and 3-GIS set stage for strategic realignment

• Telecom technologies
• GIS
• Employee spotlight

Employee spotlight: Ed Bagnall

People are at the heart of everything we do. Each team member brings their own unique experience, perspective, and passion to the table. That’s why we love taking a moment to spotlight the faces behind the work. This time, we caught up with Ed Bagnall, Managing Director for the EMEA region, to chat about his background, thoughts on the industry, and what he’s excited about in his new role.

• Esri
• Fiber network industry and markets
• GIS

Our top takeaways from the 2025 Esri User Conference

The 3-GIS team just spent the week with over 15,000 geospatial professionals from 130-plus countries at the 2025 Esri User Conference.¹ The show brought about conversations discussing integration, fiber rollout hurdles, and the always encouraging success stories. From the booth to speaking sessions and side-hall conversations, a few consistent themes emerged: how can we scale networks faster, protect critical assets, and navigate volatile funding with proven, integrated tools. Here’s a look at the biggest insights and standouts from the week.

• Communications service providers
• Altnets
• Fiber network planning

Seeing beneath our feet: Unlocking the power of NUAR and GIS

The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) promises a potentially significant step forward for asset owners, utility providers, and network operators across the UK. Designed as a centralised platform for underground asset data, NUAR is poised to enhance safety, reduce project delays, and improve coordination across industries involved in digging and construction.¹ Although infrastructure mapping has typically occurred in silos, NUAR introduces a new opportunity for greater integration and cooperation among asset stakeholders.

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

How NTIA’s new permitting tool could help BEAD awardees

When the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released its BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice in June 2025, most attention focused on changes to funding priorities and fiber-first policies. But buried deeper in the guidance is something with real operational weight: a new federal requirement for environmental permitting coordination.

As of now, every BEAD awardee must use the NTIA’s Environmental Screening and Permitting Tracking Tool (ESAPTT) for any project requiring review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).¹ According to NTIA, this move will “significantly reduce the time and effort required for broadband permitting.”² That could mean cutting 3–6 months off approval timelines—if awardees have their network data ready.