Put BEAD funding to work for your broadband deployment project
What’s the biggest challenge in broadband deployment? According to small and mid-sized operators, their top concern is the workforce shortage. There aren’t enough skilled people to fill the 150,000 to 205,000 jobs that BEAD funding is expected to create in the US. If the lack of talent is (or will be) delaying your fiber buildout and causing you headaches, here are five ways to build your fiber network faster.
Connect in the factory, not in the field
Instead of splicing connectors onto fibers out in the field, use pre-connectorized fiber terminals to save time and reduce the number of installers needed. Available from different vendors, such terminals are essentially plug-and-play. They may even be less susceptible to human error than splicing.
Study local market conditions
Municipal operators and electric co-ops who already own poles can leverage their existing infrastructure to save time and money. For providers who do not own poles, this becomes a more nuanced strategic decision. Aerial pole attachments are less expensive to deploy with, but they can be bogged down by delays in attachment agreements with pole owners in your local market. Some pole owners may be competing providers who have every incentive to slow walk new attachments or take a long time to respond. The pole infrastructure may also be very old and/or already heavily attached. Adding your equipment to the pole may necessitate you paying for a new pole or other significant expenses that extends the build timeline. Conversely, underground fiber is more expensive, yet avoids risks associated with pole attachment agreements. Rocky terrain and strict restoration regulations can extend the time and expense with underground fiber builds. Overall, it’s important to understand local market conditions and appreciate the deployment risks before you decide on aerial fiber or underground fiber.
Establish a permits center
One of the most time-consuming processes is securing rights-of-way, construction permits, and utility locates. Often this is a manual process in which staff must navigate bureaucratic red tape, find the data required for each permit, and track its status. Centralizing this function frees up technicians’ time, and the improved quality of applications can increase permit approval rates.
Outsource specialized functions
Small and mid-sized operators usually lack the size and scale required to support highly specialized, dedicated experts. For larger operators, meeting deployment targets can be challenging given the resources at hand. With an ecosystem of business partners and suppliers, there’s no need to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Many job functions can be performed remotely, thus bypassing the limitations of local labor market. Functions such as network design and engineering, the NOC (Network Operations Center), the TAC (Technical Assistance Center), and the call center can be easily outsourced. Over time, as in-house expertise develops, local staff can take on more.
Leverage broadband hiring and training resources
Broadband Nation is a broadband industry job portal with thousands of jobs posted from across the country, from fiber technicians to construction supervisors to drill operators. The site also features training courses and certifications that help workers transition into the telecom industry and grow their careers.
The Fiber Broadband Association’s OpTIC PATH™ program aims to train fiber installers and technicians with hands-on training delivered by local community colleges and training organizations. Workforce development is part of the BEAD funding mandate, so tapping into existing industry programs to accelerate certifications should be part of any HR strategy.
Fujitsu is a member of both the Fiber Broadband Association and the NTIA, the organization behind Broadband Nation. Fujitsu is also a member of various industry associations, such as the National Tribal Telecommunications Association (NTTA), and we support a range of initiatives with the goal of accelerating broadband across the nation.
Fujitsu’s full-service integration
With 3,600 North American infrastructure projects under our belt, Fujitsu has expertise in assessing, designing, building, operating, and maintaining fiber and wireless networks. Regardless of our role in your project (network systems integrator, fiber designer, outsourced NOC operator, or turnkey provider), we have proven services and solutions that can accelerate the ROI of your next broadband infrastructure project. Our Managed Network Services can improve your business outcomes.
