Telecom and utilities news and perspectives

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

Telecom industry pulse: August 2025 recap

Network news roundup

August underscored the push-and-pull between rapid digital infrastructure growth and the constraints of existing systems. M&A momentum remained strong with regional and national fiber consolidation, while operators like Lumen and T-Mobile expanded their reach into data centers and broadband markets. At the same time, the U.S. grid is feeling the pressure of skyrocketing demand from AI-driven data centers, and advocacy groups are urging regulators to scrutinize big wireless spectrum reshuffling. Across the Atlantic, Openreach is piloting new ways to turn fiber into a multi-purpose sensor grid.

• 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.

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

Telecom industry pulse: June 2025 recap

Network news roundup

June was anything but quiet for telecom. Policy shakeups from NTIA are reshaping how $42.5 billion in BEAD funding can be used, fiber expansion continues in rural markets, and new AI-related bills are tying broadband dollars to regulation. Add in growing sentiment for fiber in underserved areas and a big acquisition in Virginia—and it’s clear the landscape is shifting fast.

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

Telecom industry pulse: May 2025 recap

Network news roundup

The past month has seen significant developments across the telecom space. Major broadband expansions into rural and agricultural areas, industry consolidation through a surprise cable merger, and strategic partnerships in cloud services. Meanwhile, consumer broadband speeds continue to climb, with 500 Mbps now emerging as the new baseline for residential internet service.

• Telecom technologies
• App modernization
• Communications service providers
• Press

VIAVI and 3-GIS partnership enables faster, more accurate fiber fault location at Windstream Wholesale

Chandler, Ariz., May 29, 2025 – Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAVI) (NASDAQ: VIAV) and 3-GIS, a market-leading fiber network design and management software provider, today announced a partnership to empower businesses with faster, more accurate fiber fault location capabilities, while also leveraging customers’ existing Geographic Information System (GIS) investments. The combined solution, currently deployed at Windstream Wholesale, automates the current manual processes, offering significant advantages in improving network maintenance, minimizing downtime, increasing revenue and reducing cost. VIAVI, 3-GIS and Windstream will discuss this joint solution and its customer benefits in a webinar hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association on June 12, 2025.