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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Blog | What I learned (and loved) at Fiber Connect 2025
Jun 9, 2025 7:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • Telecom technologies
  • Fiber deployment

What I learned (and loved) at Fiber Connect 2025

When you think of an industry conference, it’s easy to picture a sea of vendor booths and product pitches. And while vendors do play a critical role in the buildout process (after all, you can’t build a fiber network without fiber), the exhibit hall at Fiber Connect 2025 was much more than a marketplace—it was a learning space. From hands-on demos and discussion salons to a smart home theater, the show floor offered attendees a chance to dig into every corner of the fiber ecosystem.

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Jun 2, 2025 9:00:00 AM
  • Telecom technologies
  • Fiber deployment
  • 3-GIS | Diagramming

Clarity that connects: The power of real-time telecom network views

Whether rolling out networks to dense urban MDUs (multi-dwelling units) or extending the last mile to rural households, telcos are navigating a minefield of evolving infrastructure, tight delivery deadlines, and increasing demand for accelerated service turn-up. Amidst this whirlwind, one element stands out as a surprisingly pivotal force in keeping operations efficient and accurate: real-time network diagramming.

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Blog | Planned Connections: Redefining how teams handle change in a live fiber management system
May 19, 2025 5:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • 3-GIS | Web
  • Fiber network planning

Planned Connections: Redefining how teams handle change in a live fiber management system

In fiber network operations, change is constant. Whether turning up a new customer, rerouting around a break, or expanding capacity, the underlying network data is always in motion. Planning those changes within fiber network management software helps ensure accuracy, visibility, and alignment across teams—but executing them without disrupting the live operational environment presents an entirely different challenge for network operators: the need to understand both what’s currently installed and what changes are planned.

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Blog | How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 3: Creating accurate cost estimates
May 5, 2025 5:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS

How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 3: Creating accurate cost estimates

Cost miscalculations. The silent deal-killers of the fiber proposals process. Following our exploration of slow, manual processes and asset visibility challenges, we now address the most problematic factor that 37% of organizations we surveyed in a recent webinar identify as their biggest hurdle: creating accurate cost estimates.

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Blog | How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 2: Maximizing success with network asset visibility
Apr 28, 2025 5:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • 3-GIS | Web

How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 2: Maximizing success with network asset visibility

Valuable fiber assets often sit unused while providers build costly new infrastructure alongside them. Why? Because many providers simply can't see what they already have.

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Blog How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 1: The cost of manual proposal methods
Apr 21, 2025 5:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS

How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 1: The cost of manual proposal methods

Ever wonder why some fiber providers consistently win contracts while others struggle to close deals? In a recent webinar, we pulled back the curtain on what's really happening in the proposal process. The (not so) shocking reality? Many providers are losing winnable deals due to slow, manual processes, poor visibility into their network assets, and proposals with cost estimates that miss the mark.

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Connected America 2025 recap: Innovations and regulations shaping telecom's future
Mar 17, 2025 5:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network industry and markets
  • Telecom technologies
  • Communications service providers

Connected America 2025 recap: Innovations and regulations shaping telecom's future

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the third annual Connected America conference in Dallas. Over 2,200 industry professionals gathered to explore the future of connectivity, and throughout the event, two major themes became apparent: emerging technologies are transforming telecom operations in exciting new ways, and the industry is adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks under the new administration.

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Blog | The hidden costs of not using OSP design software
Mar 10, 2025 3:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network design and automation
  • Telecom technologies
  • Fiber deployment

The hidden costs of not using OSP design software

Some network operators still rely on manual processes or outdated tools for outside plant (OSP) design, assuming they can cut costs by avoiding specialized software. But what seems like a cost-saving measure can often result in unexpected expenses, from labor-intensive rework to project delays and compliance issues. The hidden price of these inefficiencies adds up quickly—delaying revenue, straining budgets, and putting operators at a competitive disadvantage. Let’s break down the financial impact of relying on manual OSP design methods.

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