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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).
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.
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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Have you received or considered applying for public funding to complete your broadband buildout? Governments across the globe are allocating more resources than ever before to increase the availability of high-speed internet access in underserved areas. In November 2021, the United States Federal Government passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocating $65 billion1 toward the expansion and affordability of broadband coverage to aid in closing the digital divide–the largest sum set aside by the government for internet improvement initiatives in the country to date.
The passing of IIJA and similar funding initiatives have opened up space for additional opportunities in both the private and public sectors. In response, numerous proposals have been submitted in an effort to add sources of revenue or diversify offerings. However, with various avenues to achieve coverage objectives, newcomers may find themselves unsure of where to begin. Below are four considerations before starting on your grant-funded broadband projects.
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Ever have to send the service interruption letter and have your PR team explain the situation to the news media? In November 2018, internet, cable tv and phone customers across 3 southeastern US states received one of these letters from their service provider. The cut fiber line left affected customers without service for nearly one full day, leaving the provider with the unenviable task of apologizing to unhappy customers.