News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

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

Navigating the changing telecom landscape: Strategies for success

The telecom industry stands at the intersection of rapid innovation and shifting challenges. Economic uncertainties, increasing pricing pressures, and evolving customer demands create a landscape where agility and adaptability are more critical than ever. Amid these changes, the industry remains resilient and optimistic, underpinned by significant investments in infrastructure, innovation, and customer-centric strategies. 

• Fiber network management
• App modernization
• Communications service providers

What makes fibre networks so hard to manage? Solutions to ease the strain

Managing a sprawling fibre network is a complex undertaking. From maintaining accurate asset records to planning for growth, telecom operators face persistent challenges. Overcoming these obstacles is essential not only for maintaining operational reliability but also for meeting the increasing demand for high-speed internet. So, what are these challenges, and how can operators effectively address them?

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

Storming ahead: Reflections from the 2024 INCA Summit

As Storm Bert lashed south Wales, disrupting travel and threatening attendance, the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) Summit 2024 weathered the storm—both literally and metaphorically. Held at the International Convention Centre in Newport, the summit provided an opportunity for the UK's AltNet community to reflect on challenges, celebrate progress, and plan for a future of connectivity in a turbulent industry landscape. Here are some key insights from the summit’s thought-provoking agenda. 

• 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?