News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

There's a lot to say in the world of fiber optic networking - planning, design, mapping, technology, software, database, permitting, dark fiber, fiber-to-the-home. The experienced network professionals of 3-GIS know the challenges you face & implement solutions daily.

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Jul 1, 2024 5:00:00 PM
  • 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.

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Jun 24, 2024 5:00:00 PM
  • 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. 

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Jun 17, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • 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).

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May 20, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • 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.

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May 13, 2024 8:00:00 PM
  • 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. 

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May 6, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • Internet service
  • Communications service providers

Three common reasons ISPs get support calls and what they’re doing about it

It may come as no surprise that the surge in network demand has resulted in a corresponding increase in reported issues. This uptick in inquiries has left many internet service providers' (ISPs) customer support departments feeling the strain. But what's driving these calls, and more importantly, how can we effectively address them? Let’s dive into three common reasons customers seek assistance and explore ways to address these concerns, alleviate the burden on support teams, and reduce call volume.

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Mar 18, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • Employee spotlight

Employee spotlight: An interview with Alan Gould

We caught up with Alan Gould, Implementation Engineer, to find out more about his long, varied career and his thoughts on the impact of technology in telecom.

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Mar 11, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • 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?

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