NOVEMBER 2024CIOAPPLICATIONS.COM 19analysis on unapproved/pending pole permits, make-ready requirements, and special engineering difficulties, which can have a material impact on fiber rollouts, resulting in budget overruns and creating artificial barriers to bridging the digital divide.Another spatial problem is a lack of standardized tools and systems among stakeholders. Network designers, engineers, builders, and subsequent operators utilize different platforms to execute their respective workflows. This process can lead to project delays and unavoidably creates numerous issues ranging from incorrect as-built, wrong network documentation, outdated printed maps, version control issues, construction errors, illogical feeds, spatial misalignments, difficulty reconciling or tracking contractor daily submissions, material shortages, and/or surplus stock. A GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONImplementing a GIS at the heart of operations (i.e., from conception to implementation) is an ideal response to solving many first, middle, and last-mile challenges. This can be achieved using the same GIS ecosystem to design, map, monitor, and manage projects and business-as-usual activities.Customers, telcos, and designers view the network differently, and this dynamic makes it very difficult to offer a unified service using multiple systems. Mapping areas for line extensions, edge outs, and multi-dwelling units (MDUs) can give a common understanding of areas for network overbuilds while analyzing unserved and underserved communities in a GIS can accurately calculate the build capex required for network expansion and avoid unintended internet redlining. Spatially representing network elements with an overlay of fiber breaks, failed installs, and poor network coverage (i.e., dead zones) can also help to identify trends and patterns that were not apparent with tabular analysis.CONCLUSIONGIS is the premier location-based technology capable of tackling the numerous network deployment barriers cited above. The technology's ability to model designed networks prior to construction, track design change requests, monitor break fixes, support service delivery, and monitor operations and maintenance makes it conclusively clear that GIS should play a critical role in the operations of any Multi-Systems Operator (MSOs), telco, carrier that aims to effectively manage any wireline assets. Implementing a GIS at the heart of operations (i.e., from conception to implementation) is an ideal response to solving many first, middle, and last-mile challenges
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