If this year’s FTTH Conference in Amsterdam made anything clear, it’s that the fibre industry is moving faster, growing smarter, and getting a whole lot more collaborative. The exhibition hall was alive with activity, as rows of booths hummed with demos, meetings, and panel debriefs. Conversations were wide-ranging: AI and automation, sustainable transformations, new builds, rural challenges, and, of course, how to plan, deploy, and manage networks that are only getting more complex.
But as much as the conversations varied, there were some common threads.
Just about every GIS solution provider was showcasing some version of “end-to-end solution” or “whole network lifecycle management.” And it makes sense. As fibre rollouts scale up, operators need more than just mapping or design tools—they need visibility into everything: from high-level planning to field deployment to long-term maintenance and optimisation.
This growing demand signals a major shift in expectations—network operators are no longer satisfied with isolated tools. They need interconnected systems that provide real-time insights, seamless integration with field teams, and the agility to respond quickly to changing conditions.
But saying you do everything and delivering it are two very different things. That’s why solutions built around integrated, web-based GIS environments are gaining traction. These systems empower teams to plan, track, analyse, and evolve networks across their full lifespan—not just at one stage, but throughout the entire operational journey.
It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about moving faster with better data, less rework, and a centralised GIS that can keep up with industry demands.
Another major focus this year: collaboration. We’re seeing more shared infrastructure, more open-access network models, and increased emphasis on cross-organisational cooperation. The days of siloed teams working in separate systems are fading fast.
GIS sits at the centre of that evolution. It’s the common language that connects planners, builders, technicians, regulators, and executives. With scalable, web-based tools, collaboration is no longer limited by geography or organisational structure. Systems that support real-time data access and editing help align stakeholders and reduce delays—especially on large, multi-party rollouts.
These tools are proving essential in enabling smarter builds, from urban densification projects to remote rural expansions. They help ensure that every contributor, whether internal or external, is working from the same playbook.
Despite all the innovation, one thing hasn’t changed: the pressure to do more with less. The challenges facing the industry are still very real, but so are the opportunities.
At FTTH Conference, it was clear that operators aren’t just looking for new features—they’re looking for leverage. Smarter route planning. Fewer redraws. Better integration with field operations. They want systems that work now with the potential to scale later.
This is where modern GIS platforms can truly shine. The right solution can reduce time-to-market, minimise errors, and integrate with everything from inventory systems to mobile apps for field crews. Operators are beginning to view GIS not just as a tool, but as a strategic asset—a backbone for efficient, scalable operations. Because in a time when every step matters, investing in the right digital foundation can be the difference between staying ahead or falling behind.
Perhaps the most validating trend? The shift toward simplicity.
Increasingly, providers are asking for tools that don’t require IT tickets to install, virtual desktops to access, or high-spec machines to run. They want to open a browser and get to work.
This browser-first mindset is reshaping how operators think about enterprise software. Solutions that are cloud-ready, device-agnostic, and accessible from anywhere are enabling faster onboarding, lower overheads, and increased uptime.
Whether hosted in the cloud or deployed on-premise, platforms built for the web give users the power of enterprise GIS without the added complexity of legacy desktop software. That’s not a pivot. That’s a design philosophy rooted in speed, accessibility, and user empowerment.
If you stopped by our booth at the event, thank you. If we missed you, let’s change that.
It was energising to connect with new and familiar faces, hear your challenges, and talk through where fibre is headed. And while FTTH 2026 is still a year away, the conversations that happened this year are already shaping the next wave of progress.
Curious how the right GIS strategy could help accelerate your next rollout? Reach out. We’d love to show you.