MERIMA ŽIKO BSS
DELIVERING STANDALONE FIBRECO FOR OPERATORS AN INTEGRATED BSS APPROACH: Rising costs, intense competition, and constantly changing consumer demands have pushed telcos to find new ways to optimise their businesses. One potential solution is delayering. This process involves breaking down the traditional telecommunications model into three distinct vertical layers. The NetCos are responsible for the core network and technology assets, ServeCos manage the retail operations, and the services sold to end-users, while InfraCos oversee hardware and assets, including the broadband networks, writes Merima Žiko , product director, ZIRA Group.
B y re-evaluating their operational structures connectivity and related applications like IoT. However, implementing this approach is not without its challenges. A robust and effective IT strategy is essential to fully realising the benefits of delayering. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the example of wholesale FibreCos, a type of InfraCo. through delayering, telcos can improve operational efficiency, free up capital, and invest in next-generation BALANCING OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS FibreCos, responsible for delivering high-speed fibre optic networks, will become a core component of this new organisational structure. Investment in broadband is set to drive growth, enabling telcos to increase both ARPU and market presence. The Fibre to the X (FTTX) market is expected to grow to US$43 billion by 2030 , appealing to investors seeking the stable, long-term cash flows that infrastructure can offer. Despite the clear advantages of fibre infrastructure, operators face challenges in managing the complexities of running a wholesale fibre business. IT systems are crucial for converting infrastructure into revenue, but they can be challenging to implement. Fibre is unique within the telecoms ecosystem, requiring a specific IT stack to accommodate the various processes, particularly for a wholesale model. Managing these requirements can be complicated. Furthermore, operators transitioning from legacy systems or introducing new infrastructure must invest
considerable time and CAPEX before monetising it. These challenges, coupled with the need for a quick time to market, may cause operators to hesitate when it comes to investing in fibre. However, the potential rewards of operating a wholesale FibreCo far outweigh the associated risks. A solid IT strategy supported by a pre-integrated and comprehensive Business Support Systems (BSS) solution is essential. Furthermore, working with a single partner with the right functionalities will accelerate the set-up and deployment process. Thereby, reducing vendor dependency, minimising integration efforts, and lowering the need for customisation. Then it’s a case of implementing these four pillars to achieve success.
this complexity, FibreCos need a BSS that balances manual and automated steps for efficient delivery. That said, it’s also essential to work with a partner that understands the complexities of FTTX broadband services in relation to broader telecoms operations. The BSS must handle intricate fibre- related scenarios, such as operator transfers and penalties for missed appointments. Various families in the FibreCo’s catalogue – like FTTx or XGS-PON - should be pre-configured to align with appropriate workflows and processes to ensure a fast time to market. Additionally, managing the end-to-end ecosystem is complex, as partners might need to provision services like WiFi routers or TV set-top boxes. Significant benefits can arise if FibreCos can orchestrate processes and have end-to-end ownership, including installing equipment on behalf of partners. BSS should support these hybrid ownership models to unlock advantages. CAPABILITIES TO SIMPLIFY WHOLESALE FIBRE COMPLEXITY FibreCo operators require a BSS solution that quickly and cost-effectively integrates into their IT landscape, explicitly catering to wholesale needs. Practical customer and partner management is essential for success. A dedicated customer and partner management module should serve as a master source for all accounts, automating the onboarding lifecycle process and ensuring a seamless digital sales experience. FibreCos have various agreements with partners to market services at varying prices, often with complex
END-TO-END SUPPORT FOR FIBRE PROCESSES
A BSS system capable of delivering complete, fibre-specific end-to-end support is essential for operators to maximise their infrastructure. It must support various services and system capabilities through pre-configured workflows using a data model designed specifically for fibre, eliminating the need for operators to build their FibreCos from scratch. Integrating the business requirements of IT systems and partner ecosystems is complex, necessitating a comprehensive stack to address these challenges. Fibre networks have unique fulfilment needs involving multiple automated tasks, such as feasibility checks based on address inventory and conditional installation appointment reservations. To manage
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| ISSUE 40 | Q1 2025
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