News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

• Fiber network management
• App modernization
• Digital transformation
• Communications service providers

Future-proofing fiber management: Insights from Oman Broadband’s migration to 3-GIS

Fiber network operators are facing unprecedented demands for speed, reliability, and scalability. As competition intensifies and customer expectations soar, relying on legacy network management systems can severely hinder operational efficiency, network performance, and growth potential. Embracing modern, cloud-based solutions offers operators a transformative edge, providing the agility and intelligence needed to manage and optimize fiber networks effectively.  

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

Combating the telecom skills challenge

The telecoms market is seeing rapid change, perhaps even faster than we first expected. Alongside this, the current economic climate has caused a push for network operators to shift focus from network expansion to connecting customers. That has sadly meant that reductions in headcount have been a common theme, as evidenced in a recent study showing that 76% of communications service providers (CSPs) surveyed had reduced their workforce in the last 6 years.¹ 

These reductions, coupled with those leaving the industry due to retirement, have created a collective ‘brain drain’ with the knowledge tied up in systems, processes, and network architecture now at risk of being lost. Based on these challenges, operators will need to do more with less to operate efficiently.  

• Fiber network construction
• Fiber network industry and markets
• Fiber deployment

Can BIM help us build better fibre networks?

The development and deployment of fibre networks play a crucial role in shaping our digital landscape. As we navigate this era of rapid technological advancement, it's important to explore innovative approaches that streamline the construction process, enhance efficiency, and ensure sustainability. Learning from other industries can greatly aid in this endeavour. Building Information Modelling (BIM), a revolutionary methodology mandated by the UK government for the construction industry, offers many parallels to how we conceive, design, and build fibre networks. 

• Fiber network management
• Fiber network industry and markets
• Altnets

What does the future hold for UK AltNets?

As a sponsor of the recent INCA roadshow event Design and Build: Innovation in Action on 9th May, 3-GIS had a front-row seat to the evolving landscape of the UK AltNet scene. Amidst discussions and insights shared by operators, product suppliers, and technology vendors; it became evident that the telecom sector, particularly amongst AltNets, is facing a pivotal moment. Here are our reflections on the key takeaways from the event. 

• Telecom technologies
• GIS
• Fiber deployment

The evolving role of GIS in telecom

Today’s Geographic Information System (GIS) goes beyond mere mapping; it plays a crucial role in enhancing business operations overall. In telecom, the integration of GIS into network operations has become increasingly essential—evolving from simple asset tracking to influencing business strategy. But what’s driving this need?

• Fiber network management
• Telecom technologies
• App modernization
• Digital transformation

Revolutionizing network data collection: AI and the opportunity ahead

The efficient and accurate collection of data is paramount in telecom but has historically been a challenge. Traditional methods often involve manual data entry, cumbersome paperwork, and the potential for errors, leading to challenges in data quality, currency, and operational efficiency. However, the emergence of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and augmented reality (AR) presents a transformative opportunity to revolutionize fiber network data collection processes. 

• Telecom technologies
• GIS
• App modernization
• Digital transformation

Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 3

In this final post of the series on migrating from legacy network asset management solutions, we look at a critical component of any successful migration project: change management. As we have previously seen, a migration is not just about adopting new technology; it's a profound shift that affects the entire organisation. Today we briefly cover how a successful change management plan can make a difference in your migration journey.

• Telecom technologies
• GIS
• App modernization
• Digital transformation

Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 2

In our previous post, we looked at the main drivers that make migrating from a legacy GIS solution necessary. In this post, we deal with the pivotal considerations that telecom professionals must keep in mind when embarking on the migration to newer solutions. These insights will help organisations of all sizes chart a successful course toward a more streamlined, agile, and future-ready GIS.