Imagine planning a city-wide fiber network rollout. Countless decisions about routes, equipment placement, and infrastructure requirements must be made with precision —the complexity is staggering. In tackling these challenges, telecom companies often turn to innovative solutions like asset management systems and geographic information systems (GIS) to streamline their decision-making and improve outcomes. However, success doesn’t come down to a single tool—it’s about choosing the right approach to solve the problem at hand.
The challenges of strategic network expansion
Urban environments: Navigating complexity
Expanding networks in urban areas means grappling with a web of existing infrastructure, from underground utility systems to crowded rights-of-way. For telecom providers, the challenge lies in avoiding costly delays and disruptions. With urban areas facing the highest median underground deployment costs at $23.25 per foot1—almost double that of rural areas—the financial stakes are significant. GIS technology enables providers to analyze overlapping data layers, creating a clear picture of potential obstacles and opportunities. This allows providers to uncover optimal deployment routes, anticipate regulatory or permitting obstacles, and streamline project coordination to accelerate time-to-market.
Rural environments: Bridging the connectivity gap
Rural deployments present a different set of hurdles. Serving dispersed populations while maintaining profitability demands careful planning and innovative solutions. The stark disparity is evident in current coverage rates—while 62% of urban locations have fiber access, only 31% of rural locations are served1. Despite rural areas benefiting from lower deployment costs ($12.50 per foot for underground compared to urban's $23.25)1, the coverage gap remains significant. GIS platforms play a crucial role here, helping telecom companies address sparse subscriber density and challenging terrain. By providing detailed spatial analysis, GIS enables providers to prioritize high-impact routes, leverage partnerships and funding opportunities, and optimize logistics for cost-effective, scalable deployments.
Bridging planning and management: A unified approach
Whether deploying in urban or rural settings, successful network expansion depends on more than just strategic planning. Effective asset management plays a critical role in maintaining clear visibility into infrastructure, avoiding redundant efforts, and responding swiftly to evolving project demands. Utilizing an asset management system can help keep infrastructure data accurate and accessible, enabling providers to adapt to changing conditions while minimizing inefficiencies and delays.
We recently worked with a telecom provider that discovered inaccurate as-built documentation was derailing their expansion projects. By reimagining their asset management practices, they gained a deeper understanding of their network, pinpointed opportunities to better utilize existing assets, and reduced maintenance costs while enhancing operational efficiency.
Building real-time collaboration into network deployments
Modern network deployments demand flexibility and collaboration. GIS platforms that integrate with dynamic workflows empower providers to improve coordination between office and field teams, adjust designs and material needs in real time, and proactively identify deployment bottlenecks. This ensures every aspect of deployment is synchronized, from initial planning to execution, while maintaining data accuracy across systems.
Looking ahead: Capitalizing on market opportunities
The ever-growing demand for high-speed connectivity is challenging telecom providers to rethink how they plan and deploy networks. Technology such as GIS provides the foundation for innovative tools and forward-thinking strategies, allowing companies to not only deliver reliable connectivity more efficiently but also adapt to market changes and customer needs with agility. These advancements empower providers to streamline operations, reduce costs, and uncover new revenue streams, ensuring long-term success in a competitive landscape.
By focusing on solving key industry challenges, telecom companies can better align their strategies with operational success. Whether it’s urban or rural expansion, smart planning solutions ensure that every decision is backed by actionable insights—helping providers stay competitive.
Citations:
1 Fiber Deployment Annual Report 2023. Fiber Broadband Association. https://fiberbroadband.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Fiber-Deployment-Annual-Report-2023_FBA-and-Cartesian.pdf
