Some network operators still rely on manual processes or outdated tools for outside plant (OSP) design, assuming they can cut costs by avoiding specialized software.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.
Manual designs are prone to mistakes—inefficient use of existing assets, miscalculated routes, or missing infrastructure details (not to mention the nightmare of correcting as-builts after the fact—but that’s a different topic). These errors don’t just slow projects down; they consume extra labor, materials, and time.
Unsurprisingly, creating fiber network designs manually takes longer. But did you know it can take up to 30% longer?1 Engineers spend more time on calculations, adjustments, and validations, leading to delays in permitting and construction. The longer a network takes to launch, the longer it takes to start generating revenue.
Time is money, and inefficient design processes force engineers and field teams to spend extra hours fixing avoidable issues. Whether due to miscommunication or outdated data, these inefficiencies quickly drive up labor costs. Given that labor is one of the biggest expenses in network deployment, even small delays can add up fast. Think about how leaving just five minutes later in the morning can turn into a 20-minute delay.
Every delay in delivering fiber service to customers translates to lost revenue. The longer it takes to finalize designs and move to construction, the more opportunity competitors have to win over potential subscribers. Additionally, disconnected data makes it harder for sales and marketing teams to align campaign timelines, impacting customer acquisition efforts.
Manual designs increase the risk of errors, which can result in permit rejections due to inaccurate routing, missing infrastructure details, or non-compliant documentation. These setbacks not only delay project timelines but disrupt deployment schedules.
Optimizing network design from the start is one of the most effective ways to protect and grow revenue. OSP design software helps minimize inefficiencies, reduce costly delays, and accelerate service availability—ultimately maximizing the return on fiber investments. Here’s how:
The longer it takes to design and deploy a network, the longer it takes to start generating revenue. OSP design software automates key planning processes, reducing the time from concept to construction. Streamlining permitting, optimizing routes, and integrating GIS data help accelerate deployment—getting fiber to customers faster and shortening the payback period.
An efficient OSP design ensures that every fiber mile is used strategically, not just quickly. Software-driven designs help ensure better resource allocation, reducing unnecessary infrastructure costs while maximizing network reach. By optimizing placement and capacity, operators can increase subscriber density and boost revenue potential per deployed segment.
OSP design software helps catch potential issues early, ensuring compliance with permitting requirements and preventing costly last-minute changes. Minimizing rework helps prevent unnecessary delays and unexpected cost overruns, keeping projects more aligned with timelines and budgets.
The first provider to activate service in an area often captures the majority of subscribers. A study of 191 mobile network operators across 49 countries found that early entrants and established providers consistently achieved higher market shares and stronger financial performance than those who entered later.2 This trend holds true for fiber—deploying service first creates a competitive advantage, making it more difficult for rivals to gain traction (though it’s important to remember that customer perception and satisfaction play a role in this as well). OSP design software helps operators move faster and more strategically, ensuring they reach customers first. The result? A stronger foothold in key markets and a higher return on investment.
Skipping OSP design software might seem like a way to cut costs, but in reality, it often leads to greater expenses and lost time. Investing in the right tools helps network engineers build more efficiently, avoid costly mistakes, and accelerate their return on investment. Looking to enhance your design process? We’re here to help!
Citations:
1 Anton Lysenko, Tiago Silveira, and Manglam Tewari, "The Keys to Deploying Fiber Networks Faster and Cheaper," McKinsey & Company, February 23, 2024, https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/the-keys-to-deploying-fiber-networks-faster-and-cheaper.
2 Nejc M. Jakopin and Andreas Klein, "First-Mover and Incumbency Advantages in Mobile Telecommunications," Journal of Business Research 65, no. 3 (March 2012): 362–370, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2011.05.009.