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Empowering altnets with reliable, well-documented networks,
efficient activation and maintenance solutions By Romain Tursi, Solution Manager, EXFO
As broadband demand continues to skyrocket, alternative network providers (altnets) are playing an increasingly important role in delivering connectivity to underserved regions and offering competitive options in markets dominated by larger providers.
Laying the foundation: capturing, documenting, and validating 100% of the as- built for quality and progress visibility For altnets, the construction phase is crucial. They must balance speed and precision to complete deployments within tight budgets and timelines. Errors or oversights at this stage can lead to costly inefficiencies down the road, causing rework, activation delays, prolonged maintenance and customer dissatisfaction. Embracing a first-time- right approach helps altnets avoid these pitfalls. A balanced mix of connected portable instruments and remote fibre testing and monitoring (RFTM) solutions, like EXFO RFTM, effectively ensures network quality and precise as-built documentation. Since business process automation is essential for efficiency, testing activities should be seamlessly integrated into workflows with minimal friction, ideally following a touchless approach. In FTTH network deployments, the choice between using portable instruments, RFTM, or a combination of both depends on network design and homes-passed
Altnets, often nimble and locally focused, bring essential broadband access to communities that larger operators may overlook. However, like larger providers, altnets face challenges in building, activating, and maintaining fibre networks. These networks require rigorous initial qualification, with dependable documentation of the as-built state to move smoothly into efficient operation. Additionally, altnets need ongoing visibility into potential network degradations, along with diagnostic capabilities to ensure long-term reliability and customer satisfaction. An effective end-to-end network lifecycle test strategy can give altnets a distinct advantage. By implementing robust testing and monitoring from network build-out through to customer activation and ongoing maintenance, altnets can achieve faster deployment speeds, higher initial quality and greater operational efficiency. The payoff? Reduced downtime, faster troubleshooting, and ultimately a more satisfied customer base. Here’s a look at how a structured test- as-you-build approach, combined with automated solutions, supports altnets through every phase of their network lifecycle.
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Volume 46 No.4 DECEMBER 2024
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