By Nathan Stenson The positive economic impact of expanding broadband access and closing the digital inequity is undisputed. As a report by the Brookings Institution noted, increasing broadband access and usage spurs “higher property values, increased job and population growth, higher rates of new business formation, and lower unemployment rates,” as well as improved health and life outcomes and educational opportunities. The same report cites a World Bank estimate that a 10 percent increase in broadband penetration can lead to a 1.2 percent increase in real per capita GDP in developed countries. It’s no mystery, then, why governments throughout the world are making a concerted effort to increase fixed broadband access, particularly in rural, remote and underserved areas. As they do, many are turning to optical fiber networks rather than copper wire-based alternatives. Optical fiber is faster, offers greater bandwidth, consumes less energy, lasts decades longer, is more secure, and easier to maintain than traditional copper or coax cable. That means fiber optic networks deliver a much faster and enjoyable internet experience, as web and streaming content move at light speed for near-instantaneous downloads. Increasingly, “fixed broadband” is synonymous with fiber optic cable. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), fiber is now the dominant broadband technology in half of OECD countries. The most high-profile push for broadband expansion is in the U.S., where the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allotted $65 billion for broadband deployment in underserved communities. Soon, 14.5 million Americans in those communities will gain broadband access to support business, education, and more with the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program [BEAD] through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The BEAD program prioritizes fiber connectivity projects. For regional operators, communities and utilities, the question now is how best to proceed to ensure swift, successful deployments. My advice, based on experience, is to ensure your fixed broadband deployment is built on strong partnerships and committed teamwork. Complexity challenges The majority of broadband deployments to date have been major projects undertaken in heavily populated areas by large operators with ample expertise and resources. However, this new wave of broadband deployments is different in the following ways. For starters, more stakeholders are involved. A typical project may require the participation of banks, consultants, construction companies, utility companies, VARs, systems integrators and equipment providers. Many projects are financially complex, involving public/private partnerships and different ownership models. As a result of these differences, issues may arise around: estimating and procurement, financing, scheduling (many grants specify mandatory completion dates), underground utility easements, construction, equipment availability and supply chain issues, and servicing post-deployment. LEVERAGE PARTNERSHIPS TO ENSURE FIBER BROADBAND SUCCESS 36 CHANNELVISION | JULY - AUGUST 2023
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