Telecom and utilities news and perspectives

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Telecom technologies
• Utilities
• Communications service providers

Telecom industry pulse: August 2025 recap

Network news roundup

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.

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Telecom technologies
• App modernization

Our top takeaways from ISE EXPO 2025

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.

• Fiber network management
• Fiber network industry and markets
• Press

Telecom industry pulse: July 2025 recap

Network news roundup

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.

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Press

SSP Innovations and 3-GIS set stage for strategic realignment

• Esri
• Fiber network industry and markets
• GIS

Our top takeaways from the 2025 Esri User Conference

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.

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

How NTIA’s new permitting tool could help BEAD awardees

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.

• Fiber network industry and markets
• Communications service providers
• Press
• Fiber deployment

Telecom industry pulse: June 2025 recap

Network news roundup

June was anything but quiet for telecom. Policy shakeups from NTIA are reshaping how $42.5 billion in BEAD funding can be used, fiber expansion continues in rural markets, and new AI-related bills are tying broadband dollars to regulation. Add in growing sentiment for fiber in underserved areas and a big acquisition in Virginia—and it’s clear the landscape is shifting fast.

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

Faster fibre rollouts start with smarter infrastructure sharing

In a world increasingly defined by speed, connectivity, and digital equity, building faster broadband infrastructure is a national and social imperative. Governments across the globe are pushing for widespread fibre deployment to close the digital divide and supercharge economic development.¹ But as telcos race to deliver, one big question looms: How do we scale quickly, affordably, and sustainably?

The answer, in part, lies in better collaboration, specifically in smarter ways of managing shared fibre infrastructure. But here’s the catch: sharing infrastructure only works if the systems that underpin it are modern, live, and interoperable. Too often, they’re not. And the consequences can be surprisingly disruptive.