News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

• Communications service providers
• Altnets
• Fiber network planning

Seeing beneath our feet: Unlocking the power of NUAR and GIS

The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) promises a potentially significant step forward for asset owners, utility providers, and network operators across the UK. Designed as a centralised platform for underground asset data, NUAR is poised to enhance safety, reduce project delays, and improve coordination across industries involved in digging and construction.¹ Although infrastructure mapping has typically occurred in silos, NUAR introduces a new opportunity for greater integration and cooperation among asset stakeholders.

• Internet service
• Communications service providers
• Altnets
• FTTH

From buildout to buy-in: What's driving full fibre take-up in the UK?

The UK’s full fibre broadband market is at a critical inflection point. With billions invested in network buildouts over the past few years, the focus has firmly shifted to take-up—how many households are actually subscribing to services. Several recent industry reports have provided various insights and discussions around the current state of play and what’s shaping adoption across the country.

• 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
• 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. 

• Fiber network management
• Fiber network industry and markets
• Altnets

Consolidation: The hot topic sweeping the UK fibre market

Consolidation. The word on everyone’s lips. If you work in the fibre industry, and you happen to have the privilege of residing in the home of bad weather that we call Great Britain (but would we live anywhere else?), then the only way you won't have heard this word is if you’ve been on a 6-month sabbatical to Tasmania studying wildlife.

Like everyone else, I’ve been reading the latest news stories, and, overall, agree that the UK fibre market is about to go through a period of volatility, shift, and then, eventually, stability. But this was always the plan, right?