News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

• Fiber network management
• Telecom technologies
• App modernization
• 3-GIS | Web

Three reasons to rethink fiber outage response

The stakes are high for fiber service providers: contracts come with strict service-level agreements (SLAs), customer expectations around reliability are increasing, and the cost of delayed fault response—both in dollars and reputation—is growing. Fiber may be more resilient than copper, but it’s not immune to cuts, degradation, or equipment impacts.

But even with sophisticated systems in place, many operators are still relying on manual fault response workflows—waiting for alarms to stack up, dispatching trucks without a confirmed location, or hearing about issues from customers first.

It’s an approach that isn’t just inefficient—it’s costly too.

• 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
• Fiber deployment

Faster fibre rollouts start with smarter infrastructure sharing

In a world increasingly defined by speed, connectivity, and digital equity, building faster broadband infrastructure is a national and social imperative. Governments across the globe are pushing for widespread fibre deployment to close the digital divide and supercharge economic development.¹ But as telcos race to deliver, one big question looms: How do we scale quickly, affordably, and sustainably?

The answer, in part, lies in better collaboration, specifically in smarter ways of managing shared fibre infrastructure. But here’s the catch: sharing infrastructure only works if the systems that underpin it are modern, live, and interoperable. Too often, they’re not. And the consequences can be surprisingly disruptive.

• Fiber network management
• RDOF
• GIS
• FTTH

Why your BEAD build needs a GIS fiber asset management system

Back in 2021, Congress allocated $42.45 billion to the NTIA to create the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program—or BEAD. This was done to bring 100/20 Mbps service to every unserved and underserved location in the country.¹

Why the major investment in fiber? Because our communities depend on it for growth, adding over $1.6 trillion in household income and 380,000 in new jobs, according to a Fiber Broadband Association study.²

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Telecom technologies
• Fiber deployment

What I learned (and loved) at Fiber Connect 2025

When you think of an industry conference, it’s easy to picture a sea of vendor booths and product pitches. And while vendors do play a critical role in the buildout process (after all, you can’t build a fiber network without fiber), the exhibit hall at Fiber Connect 2025 was much more than a marketplace—it was a learning space. From hands-on demos and discussion salons to a smart home theater, the show floor offered attendees a chance to dig into every corner of the fiber ecosystem.

• Telecom technologies
• Fiber deployment
• 3-GIS | Diagramming

Clarity that connects: The power of real-time telecom network views

Whether rolling out networks to dense urban MDUs (multi-dwelling units) or extending the last mile to rural households, telcos are navigating a minefield of evolving infrastructure, tight delivery deadlines, and increasing demand for accelerated service turn-up. Amidst this whirlwind, one element stands out as a surprisingly pivotal force in keeping operations efficient and accurate: real-time network diagramming.

• 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.