Telecom and utilities news and perspectives

From fiber-to-the-home to utility grid modernization, there’s no shortage of complexity in network management. Planning, design, mapping, permitting, and database integrity all shape how telecom and utility providers deliver reliable service. At 3-GIS, our team contributes daily to advancing the field, bringing a deep understanding of these challenges and the solutions needed to overcome them. Take a look at our take on what’s happening across telecom and utility networks, from fiber mapping software and OSP design software to smarter approaches for telecom network management and utility network solutions.

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Blog | 2025 and beyond: What’s next for telecom?
Mar 21, 2025 4:21:12 PM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • Communications service providers
  • Fiber deployment

2025 and beyond: What’s next for telecom?

Fiber networks have transformed how we live, work, and connect. They power everything from streaming our favorite shows to enabling the smart cities of the future. But as demand skyrockets and technology advances, fiber networks are stepping up to the challenge in ways that go beyond what we’ve seen before. So, what’s next for this critical infrastructure? Let’s explore the trends and technologies shaping the future of telecom.

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Connected America 2025 recap: Innovations and regulations shaping telecom's future
Mar 17, 2025 5:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • Telecom technologies
  • Communications service providers

Connected America 2025 recap: Innovations and regulations shaping telecom's future

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the third annual Connected America conference in Dallas. Over 2,200 industry professionals gathered to explore the future of connectivity, and throughout the event, two major themes became apparent: emerging technologies are transforming telecom operations in exciting new ways, and the industry is adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks under the new administration.

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Blog | The hidden costs of not using OSP design software
Mar 10, 2025 3:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network design and automation
  • Telecom technologies
  • Fiber deployment

The hidden costs of not using OSP design software

Some network operators still rely on manual processes or outdated tools for outside plant (OSP) design, assuming they can cut costs by avoiding specialized software. But what seems like a cost-saving measure can often result in unexpected expenses, from labor-intensive rework to project delays and compliance issues. The hidden price of these inefficiencies adds up quickly—delaying revenue, straining budgets, and putting operators at a competitive disadvantage. Let’s break down the financial impact of relying on manual OSP design methods.

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Blog | The case for a scalable physical network inventory
Mar 3, 2025 5:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • Communications service providers

The case for a scalable physical network inventory

With the surge in fibre network rollouts, the demands on network management solutions are greater than ever. Yet, many telcos are still navigating the complexities of managing their operations without a solid, scalable physical network inventory (PNI) solution at the heart of their infrastructure.

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Blog | Rural vs urban fiber network planning: The challenges and opportunities
Feb 24, 2025 3:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • FTTH
  • Fiber deployment

Rural vs urban fiber network planning: The challenges and opportunities

The approach to planning and deploying fiber networks can vary dramatically between rural and urban environments. While modern fiber design software has revolutionized how providers tackle these challenges, the differences in these environments require carefully tailored, data-driven strategies to maximize ROI, reduce deployment risks, and accelerate time to market.

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Blog | How fiber mapping software cuts costs – Part 2: Unlocking savings with 3-GIS
Feb 17, 2025 5:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • 3-GIS | Web
  • Fiber deployment

How fiber mapping software cuts costs – Part 2: Unlocking savings with 3-GIS

In Part 1 of this series, we explored how fiber mapping software can optimize both CapEx and OpEx by improving accuracy, streamlining operations, and reducing unnecessary expenses. Now, let’s take a closer look at how 3-GIS software and services specifically address these challenges—helping network operators accelerate deployment, minimize costs, and maximize returns.

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Blog | How fiber mapping software cuts costs – Part 1: CapEx and OpEx considerations
Feb 10, 2025 2:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network management
  • Communications service providers
  • Fiber deployment

How fiber mapping software cuts costs – Part 1: CapEx and OpEx considerations

Fiber networks are complex, high-value investments, and every decision about their design, deployment, and maintenance impacts the bottom line. Some network operators view fiber mapping software as a necessary capital expenditure (CapEx), ensuring their network is built on accurate, scalable data from day one. Others see it as a strategic investment that reduces operational expenses (OpEx) over time by minimizing costly errors, avoiding unnecessary truck rolls, and streamlining maintenance. The reality? The right software protects both your initial investment while lowering the costs of managing and maintaining your network. 

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Blog | Why AI's data center boom demands smarter fiber planning
Feb 3, 2025 5:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • Telecom technologies
  • Fiber deployment

Why AI's data center boom demands smarter fiber planning

With the announcement of a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative and Microsoft's planned $80 billion investment in data center expansions, the race to build America's AI infrastructure is accelerating rapidly.¹ AI isn't just another tech trend—it's becoming woven into the fabric of daily life, from the algorithms that personalize our streaming services to the chatbots handling customer inquiries. For telecom operators, this shift represents more than just an infrastructure challenge. As AI applications become essential to business operations, network reliability and speed directly impact their customers' abilities to compete in an AI-driven world.

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