News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

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

Fiber Connect 2024: Shaping the future of connectivity

As the dust settles on another successful Fiber Connect conference, we at 3-GIS find ourselves energized by the innovative spirit and collaborative atmosphere that permeated the Nashville event. Fiber Connect 2024, hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association, brought together industry leaders and technology pioneers, united in the mission to bridge the digital divide and propel America's connectivity infrastructure into the future. 

• Fiber network industry and markets
• GIS
• Communications service providers

Elevating telecom network management with advanced GIS tools

The world of telecom is changing fast, and managing complex networks is getting harder. But there's good news: GIS (Geographic Information System) is here to help and is changing how we plan, design, and manage our telecom networks. Let's explore a few ways using GIS makes a big difference.

• Fiber network industry and markets
• GIS
• Communications service providers

Combating the telecom skills challenge

The telecoms market is seeing rapid change, perhaps even faster than we first expected. Alongside this, the current economic climate has caused a push for network operators to shift focus from network expansion to connecting customers. That has sadly meant that reductions in headcount have been a common theme, as evidenced in a recent study showing that 76% of communications service providers (CSPs) surveyed had reduced their workforce in the last 6 years.¹ 

These reductions, coupled with those leaving the industry due to retirement, have created a collective ‘brain drain’ with the knowledge tied up in systems, processes, and network architecture now at risk of being lost. Based on these challenges, operators will need to do more with less to operate efficiently.  

• Fiber network management
• Fiber network industry and markets
• App modernization
• Data integrity

Leveraging AI and automation to streamline data collection and management

Telecom network operators face several data challenges, including as-built backlogs, data silos, and legacy system limitations. Manual data entry and cumbersome workflows contribute to these issues, often resulting in poor data quality and missing information. Addressing these challenges involves not only improving data collection processes but also implementing robust data management practices to ensure data integrity and accessibility.

• Fiber network construction
• Fiber network industry and markets
• Fiber deployment

Can BIM help us build better fibre networks?

The development and deployment of fibre networks play a crucial role in shaping our digital landscape. As we navigate this era of rapid technological advancement, it's important to explore innovative approaches that streamline the construction process, enhance efficiency, and ensure sustainability. Learning from other industries can greatly aid in this endeavour. Building Information Modelling (BIM), a revolutionary methodology mandated by the UK government for the construction industry, offers many parallels to how we conceive, design, and build fibre networks. 

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Internet service
• RDOF

The vital role of connectivity in modern agriculture

The importance of high-speed internet connectivity stretches across all facets of our lives, impacting sectors we may not think of, such as agriculture. Connectivity is not only important, but essential for sustaining agricultural communities in the United States, as emphasized by Andy Berke, the administrator of the Rural Utilities Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Internet service
• Communications service providers

The true cost of network downtime

In recent blog posts, we explored fault resolution using 3-GIS tools (such as OTDR Trace and Single Point of Failure) and discussed common reasons customers may dial up their service providers for assistance. While addressing individual issues is crucial, it’s also important to understand the broader implications of network outages. Today, we’ll dive into the larger impacts of network outages, including the financial, operational, and customer service challenges they pose.

• 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.