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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Dec 18, 2023 8:00:00 AM
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • App modernization
  • Digital transformation

Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 2

In our previous post, we looked at the main drivers that make migrating from a legacy GIS solution necessary. In this post, we deal with the pivotal considerations that telecom professionals must keep in mind when embarking on the migration to newer solutions. These insights will help organisations of all sizes chart a successful course toward a more streamlined, agile, and future-ready GIS.

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Dec 1, 2023 3:03:56 PM
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • App modernization
  • Digital transformation

Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 1

In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, telcos are continuously seeking ways to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and harness the power of data to make more informed decisions. As network hardware evolves, so too do the systems required to manage the network. Amongst these systems is GIS, or Geographical Information Systems, which plays a pivotal role in this quest by providing data intelligence that can drive smarter choices.

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Nov 13, 2023 5:07:13 PM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • Fiber deployment

Leveraging GIS for environmental sustainability: Reducing impacts and costs

Businesses globally are striving to reduce their ecological footprint and optimize resources, and telecom network operators are no exception.1 However, in today’s rapidly changing landscape, it can be especially difficult to deploy optimal networks in a timely manner that also account for varying environmental factors including avoiding hazards, protecting biodiversity, and minimizing impact. By integrating geographic information systems (GIS) into their processes, telcos can make more informed decisions by synthesizing and visualizing complex data in a spatial context.

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Oct 30, 2023 8:00:00 AM
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • Communications service providers
  • 3-GIS | Web
  • Fiber deployment

Navigating the network lifecycle: Open for sale

After planning, engineering, field verification, and construction, it was finally time to help our client open for service! Success required seamless coordination across all aspects of our operations, from marketing strategies to customer installations. 

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Jul 7, 2023 10:23:53 AM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • Communications service providers

Shift in GIS technology: Reimagining the transactional model

If you work for a telco and have needed to track your network assets in a centralized way, you may have used Ericsson Network Engineer (ENE) or similar software solution. ENE and many other solutions that rely on Esri technology use geodatabase versioning technology to manage transactions. Versioning facilitates long transactions by allowing editors to work isolated within their own version of the geodatabase and across multiple editing sessions.

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Jun 16, 2023 4:24:22 PM
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • Fiber deployment

Adapt. Overcome.

As I approach my ten-year anniversary at 3-GIS I have spent some time reflecting on the journey. Many of you may not be aware of this, but I did not start my career supporting the Telecom industry. As a matter of fact, my first job was converting water and electric utility CAD and billing systems to GIS-enabled platforms. From there I worked on large Superfund remediation programs and permitting for trash incinerators which, strangely enough, led me to focus on transportation engineering and mining exploration. From there I had the honor of supporting our warfighters and intelligence communities by providing mapping and innovative GIS application solutions. While this career journey has been somewhat circuitous, I am truly thankful for the wisdom and experience that has been imparted to me along the way.   

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Jun 9, 2023 10:13:29 AM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • Communications service providers

How telcos use GIS-based network management systems

To be competitive in the telecommunications landscape today providers rely on workflow processes and systems that integrate information across the company to support running the business efficiently. A GIS-based network management system provides telecommunication providers with many key benefits in this ever-changing industry. The GIS system allows providers to build a digital replica of the physical connected network to support all aspects of the business including operations, planning, engineering, provisioning, sales, marketing, and finance. This digital replica of the network enables collaboration across departments providing timely and fact-based information to support better decision making on financial investments, reducing operational costs, and improving customer satisfaction. 

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Jan 5, 2023 3:22:09 PM
Article Article
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • App modernization
  • Communications service providers

Shifting OSP network management in the face of system obsolescence

I started my career supporting utilities and their GIS programs, specifically migrating their legacy CAD-based technologies to the latest in Esri-based GIS platforms.  Interestingly, a successful migration was not necessarily predicated on a better user experience; but rather, success was measured by the vision and commitment of the customer to change.  They knew, for instance, that user adoption would be a slow and painful process and that efficiencies gained would be measured by the operational impact, as opposed to the individual user experience.  Enabling the larger organization with the data it needed to make clear and concise decisions was going to be critical in either maintaining a competitive advantage or, for the public utility, delivering quality services at an affordable price. While this change has not been easy, GIS-based technologies are now a critical component to most if not all utilities around the globe. 

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