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Over two full days last month, ExCeL London became the buzzing hub for Connected Britain 2025, where industry insiders, innovators, and policy voices converged to wrestle with the challenges and opportunities of UK connectivity. As someone who walked the floor and listened to various panels sessions, here are my key takeaways.
From Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) milestones in the United States to permitting reform at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), September’s headlines point to accelerating deployment and the infrastructure needed to power AI. The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) reported strong progress on Final Proposals, while the FCC teed up rulemakings to cut red tape. At the same time, operators announced fresh construction, grants, and platform moves across both the United States and the United Kingdom.
August underscored the push-and-pull between rapid digital infrastructure growth and the constraints of existing systems. M&A momentum remained strong with regional and national fiber consolidation, while operators like Lumen and T-Mobile expanded their reach into data centers and broadband markets. At the same time, the U.S. grid is feeling the pressure of skyrocketing demand from AI-driven data centers, and advocacy groups are urging regulators to scrutinize big wireless spectrum reshuffling. Across the Atlantic, Openreach is piloting new ways to turn fiber into a multi-purpose sensor grid.
The 3-GIS team just wrapped a week in New Orleans for the 2025 ISE EXPO. What really stood out? A push for faster operations, smarter automation, and better data utility. From conversations on the show floor to sessions like Leveraging AI and Automation to Streamline Network Data, some themes began to emerge. The solution to telecom complexity? Teams are realizing it starts with better management of the data they encounter day in and day out.
July brought a mix of expansion, consolidation, and rising urgency around telecom infrastructure. From surging enterprise demand for network-as-a-service to billion-dollar fiber acquisitions and growing alarm over network vandalism, the month highlighted just how vital fast, secure, and adaptable connectivity has become. Meanwhile, federal leadership shifts signal new momentum for broadband funding, and the 2025 Esri User Conference showcased how GIS technology continues to reshape fiber planning, data integrity, and field operations.
SSP Innovations today announced a strategic realignment with 3-GIS to strengthen operational focus, with SSP concentrating on utility services and 3-GIS expanding its software leadership across utility and telecommunications industries. This initiative is intended to enhance organizational focus, accelerate innovation, and position both companies to deliver even greater value to clients across the utility and telecommunications sectors.
The 3-GIS team just spent the week with over 15,000 geospatial professionals from 130-plus countries at the 2025 Esri User Conference.1 The show brought about conversations discussing integration, fiber rollout hurdles, and the always encouraging success stories. From the booth to speaking sessions and side-hall conversations, a few consistent themes emerged: how can we scale networks faster, protect critical assets, and navigate volatile funding with proven, integrated tools. Here’s a look at the biggest insights and standouts from the week.
When the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released its BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice in June 2025, most attention focused on changes to funding priorities and fiber-first policies. But buried deeper in the guidance is something with real operational weight: a new federal requirement for environmental permitting coordination.
As of now, every BEAD awardee must use the NTIA’s Environmental Screening and Permitting Tracking Tool (ESAPTT) for any project requiring review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).1 According to NTIA, this move will “significantly reduce the time and effort required for broadband permitting.”2 That could mean cutting 3–6 months off approval timelines—if awardees have their network data ready.
