To Revolutionize and Simplify Customer Experience and Sign-Up Process for Network Operators and Subscribers Worldwide
Las Vegas, Nevada, Calix ConneXions, October 2023 – GOCare providing innovative software solutions to the broadband and utility industries, including a complete digital experience platform, proprietary SMS Chat functionality, Secure Payments, multi-platform NPS scoring, and a sophisticated analytics engine, and COS Systems, a leading provider of network management and billing solutions for Network Operators, Service Providers and Open Access Networks are excited to announce a strategic partnership as well as a Proof of Concept (PoC) demonstrations that will take place on the expo hall floor of ConneXions.
This collaboration brings together two industry leaders to revolutionize and simplify the customer experience and sign-up process for Service Providers and their subscribers worldwide.
The PoC addresses customers’ overwhelming preference for digital channel engagement and the convenience of those channels for prospective customers, existing customers, and operators alike. Combining COS System’s address-search functionality (showing where fiber is available), with GOCare’s intelligent data capture and flexible digital experience platform, the companies provide operators and their subscribers with a world-class customer experience and easy access to available services. The integration makes it easy for operators’ subscribers to sign up for service by using digital channels such as SMS, WebChat, Social Media interactions, and even email to both get information about fiber services available in their area and eventually sign up via those digital channel engagement mediums.
COS Systems Business Engine, a proven network management solution (BSS/OSS) supporting Service Providers, Operators, and Open Access Networks with an automated end-to-end solution to streamline fiber network management will integrate seamlessly with GOCare’s analytics engine to enable operators to search for and sign up for services using the digital mediums most comfortable to their subscribers.
“In a landscape where ISPs must constantly adapt their interactions with networks and subscribers, our decision to partner with GoCare has us very excited. This partnership signifies more than integration; it opens new avenues for enhanced communication and customer experiences, while reducing operational expenses and time for ISPs and network owners. COS has always championed automation, and finding a partner in GOCare, who shares this ethos, means our combined software capabilities will empower operations to engage with customers through contemporary channels like SMS, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, with the scope for further expansion. It’s about efficiency meeting innovation for superior service delivery,” said Mikael Philipsson, CEO of COS Systems.
“In today’s competitive broadband marketplace, ‘being easy to do business with’ is critical”, stated Rick Perkins, CTO of GOCare. “The PoC between GOCare and COS Systems simplifies customers’ expression of interest to a service provider and accelerates the timeline of service delivery without the friction of legacy processes like web searches, filling out forms online or even phone calls, IVR, hold times, and more” added Rick. Furthermore, service providers are able to determine consumer demand beyond their footprint for future smart builds through this important integration between GOCare and COS Systems”, concluded Perkins.
COS Systems and GOCare are committed to helping operators worldwide deliver exceptional broadband services with unmatched reliability and performance. The partnership will focus on providing a best-in-class customer experience to meet the evolving needs of service providers and their subscribers.
About COS Systems:
COS Systems is a leading provider of cloud-hosted network management and billing solutions for service providers. COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution (BSS/OSS) supporting Service Providers and Open Access Networks. The end-to-end platform provides subscribers self-service and digital sales and marketing through an online marketplace. Service orders will be automatically activated within a minute, and billing follows with no operator interaction. It offers a great user experience, increasing take rates and revenue. COS Systems has a global customer base and serves a wide range of service providers, including municipalities, utilities, network operators, and fiber ISPs. Learn more about COS Systems at www.cossystems.com.
About GOCare:
GOCare provides software solutions to the broadband and utility industries. Our SaaS portfolio includes a complete digital experience platform, proprietary SMS Chat functionality, Secure Payments, multi-platform NPS scoring, and a sophisticated analytics engine allowing our clients to benchmark their performance against other similar operators. GOCare was founded by industry veterans and incorporates its mission of “By Operators, For Operators” into how they partner with broadband industry leaders such as Vexus Fiber, Point Broadband, Bluepeak, and many others. For more information visit www.gocarecx.com.
COS Systems and GOCare Create Innovative Solution
To Revolutionize and Simplify Customer Experience and Sign-Up Process for Network Operators and Subscribers Worldwide
Las Vegas, Nevada, Calix ConneXions, October 2023 – GOCare providing innovative software solutions to the broadband and utility industries, including a complete digital experience platform, proprietary SMS Chat functionality, Secure Payments, multi-platform NPS scoring, and a sophisticated analytics engine, and COS Systems, a leading provider of network management and billing solutions for Network Operators, Service Providers and Open Access Networks are excited to announce a strategic partnership as well as a Proof of Concept (PoC) demonstrations that will take place on the expo hall floor of ConneXions.
This collaboration brings together two industry leaders to revolutionize and simplify the customer experience and sign-up process for Service Providers and their subscribers worldwide.
The PoC addresses customers’ overwhelming preference for digital channel engagement and the convenience of those channels for prospective customers, existing customers, and operators alike. Combining COS System’s address-search functionality (showing where fiber is available), with GOCare’s intelligent data capture and flexible digital experience platform, the companies provide operators and their subscribers with a world-class customer experience and easy access to available services. The integration makes it easy for operators’ subscribers to sign up for service by using digital channels such as SMS, WebChat, Social Media interactions, and even email to both get information about fiber services available in their area and eventually sign up via those digital channel engagement mediums.
COS Systems Business Engine, a proven network management solution (BSS/OSS) supporting Service Providers, Operators, and Open Access Networks with an automated end-to-end solution to streamline fiber network management will integrate seamlessly with GOCare’s analytics engine to enable operators to search for and sign up for services using the digital mediums most comfortable to their subscribers.
“In a landscape where ISPs must constantly adapt their interactions with networks and subscribers, our decision to partner with GoCare has us very excited. This partnership signifies more than integration; it opens new avenues for enhanced communication and customer experiences, while reducing operational expenses and time for ISPs and network owners. COS has always championed automation, and finding a partner in GOCare, who shares this ethos, means our combined software capabilities will empower operations to engage with customers through contemporary channels like SMS, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, with the scope for further expansion. It’s about efficiency meeting innovation for superior service delivery,” said Mikael Philipsson, CEO of COS Systems.
“In today’s competitive broadband marketplace, ‘being easy to do business with’ is critical”, stated Rick Perkins, CTO of GOCare. “The PoC between GOCare and COS Systems simplifies customers’ expression of interest to a service provider and accelerates the timeline of service delivery without the friction of legacy processes like web searches, filling out forms online or even phone calls, IVR, hold times, and more” added Rick. Furthermore, service providers are able to determine consumer demand beyond their footprint for future smart builds through this important integration between GOCare and COS Systems”, concluded Perkins.
COS Systems and GOCare are committed to helping operators worldwide deliver exceptional broadband services with unmatched reliability and performance. The partnership will focus on providing a best-in-class customer experience to meet the evolving needs of service providers and their subscribers.
About COS Systems:
COS Systems is a leading provider of cloud-hosted network management and billing solutions for service providers. COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution (BSS/OSS) supporting Service Providers and Open Access Networks. The end-to-end platform provides subscribers self-service and digital sales and marketing through an online marketplace. Service orders will be automatically activated within a minute, and billing follows with no operator interaction. It offers a great user experience, increasing take rates and revenue. COS Systems has a global customer base and serves a wide range of service providers, including municipalities, utilities, network operators, and fiber ISPs. Learn more about COS Systems at www.cossystems.com.
About GOCare:
GOCare provides software solutions to the broadband and utility industries. Our SaaS portfolio includes a complete digital experience platform, proprietary SMS Chat functionality, Secure Payments, multi-platform NPS scoring, and a sophisticated analytics engine allowing our clients to benchmark their performance against other similar operators. GOCare was founded by industry veterans and incorporates its mission of “By Operators, For Operators” into how they partner with broadband industry leaders such as Vexus Fiber, Point Broadband, Bluepeak, and many others. For more information visit www.gocarecx.com.
More money, more problems?
Grant funding such as BEAD money and private dollars have been flowing into the telecom industry for new fiber and broadband expansion at record-breaking rates. However, new challenges arise as traditional providers expand and upgrade their networks. How do you ensure network expansion without unnecessary business expansion?
Now is the time for operators and service providers to closely examine their internal processes and systems, and they need to ask themselves the following questions.
Embracing Automation for the Future of FTTH Networks
The future of FTTH networks is fast, reliable, and automated, so if the answer to any of these questions is no, it is time to invest in modern and specialized end-to-end automation software that delivers excellent customer support.
Future-Proof Your Network with COS Systems
Future-proof your network today and scale to meet today’s demands on FTTH.
COS Systems delivers cloud-hosted software to plan, build, and manage broadband networks globally. COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution (BSS/OSS) supporting Service Providers and Open Access networks. An address-driven and data-centered approach gives operators a single source of truth for their FTTH business data.
Our end-to-end platform provides subscriber self-service and digital sales and marketing through an online marketplace. The platform can activate service orders automatically within a minute, and billing follows with no operator interaction. It offers an exceptional user experience, increasing take rates and revenue.’ As the centerpiece of your fiber business, it integrates with other specialized software platforms to digitize fiber construction management and mapping, creating a comprehensive end-to-end solution for maximum efficiency.
Contact Us Today
If you believe that our network management solution aligns with your goals, don’t hesitate to Contact Us. Let’s discuss your Fiber-to-the-Home project and pave the way for a successful future together.
For a deeper dive into this topic, we highly recommend reading our whitepaper.
Partnerships & a community-driven approach bring fiber to the region and make a great social impact!
Interview with Willem Brinkert
What is the project about?
After the municipalities in the region of Braunau in Austria had been neglected by traditional incumbents, regioHelp/BG Communications was founded with the aim to serve the unserved and took it upon themselves to build full-cover FTTH, Open Access networks in and for the people in those municipalities.
regioHelp/BG Communications initially built a network for 900 subscribers in Munderfing. This inspired the neighboring municipalities, who saw its social impact and how it transformed Munderfing and motivated them to do the same.
regioHelp/BG Communications creates genuine partnerships with the municipalities in the region (who usually have no money or funding to invest in a fiber network), and everybody really wants to have the network deployed for the benefit of their communities.
While regioHelp/BG Communications brings planning, construction knowledge, and funding to the table, the municipalities collaborate by simplifying the permitting process. They also have existing contact channels with future customers/subscribers and are therefore responsible for the marketing of the network, trying to generate high take-up rates.
After a very successful pilot project in the first municipality, the second larger-scale project was initiated and is currently under construction. More than 40 municipalities joined in, leading to scale it internationally in Germany and Switzerland. With close to 1 million homes, with an average take-up rate of 65-75%, the value for the communities is clearly visible – everyone can be connected, and no one is left behind!
What is innovative about your project and how have you served your customers?
The effortlessness in reaching goals and pursuing projects shows that regioHelp/BG Communications is on the right track to bringing quality of life to rural areas in terms of telecommunications and connecting people.
We provide a full-cover network serving all of the people living in the region of Braunau. Not only is the network being built but it will eventually be handed over to the public to support the communities. While it’s still being developed, financed, and operated, the network already provides funding for the Red Cross and fire departments in the region: They receive 50 cents per active contract per month, which is a great contribution towards the community and its health and safety initiatives.
This gives the organizations that are both built and reliant on volunteer work the opportunity to get involved with their communities e.g. in financing youth work at the fire brigade.
All projects have a long-term perspective: after 40 years the municipalities take over the network from equity investors and are then able to monetize their network for the community.
Our target group is exclusively the public at the municipality level, representing and supporting the local communities. All participating municipalities are a part of the regioHelp cooperative.
regioHelp/BG Communication, COS Systems, and Nokia work closely together in a partnership to connect people. All partners believe that “affordable, high-speed internet access for everyone will bridge the digital divide and contribute to a more accessible and equal society.”
In this partnership, regioHelp/BG Communication is responsible for the planning and construction of the project, COS Systems provides the BSS/OSS COS (zero-touch automation software) and has an extensive background and a lot of experience in running open-access networks.
Nokia is not just a vendor – but an active partner of regioHelp/BG Communications, supporting the region with the connectivity needed to achieve its goals.
COS has a framework contract with BG Communications/regio help and wants to support them in distributing their concept to the world.
In our first pilot project, already in the fiber deployment after the first homes were connected and live with a take rate of 80%, the industry in Munderfing began to flourish! New businesses were started and attracted; including the opening of a co-working and seminar house for single entrepreneurs. Moreover, several German subsidiaries settled in Munderfing as it could offer fiber!
Munderfing has become the most attractive area in Braunau, and currently, there are more than 200 individuals and families on the waiting list for an apartment. Before the fiber network was deployed, Munderfing had 900 workplaces to offer; today there are over 3000.
COS Business Engine for Enterprise and wholesale services
Enterprise services are integral to any fiber operator’s business to utilize the network and support customer segments that require more advanced and customized services. Typical customer segments include large Enterprises, property owners, other operators/ISPs, mobile operators, cloud providers, etc. Services to these customer segments include
COS Business Engine helps your sales department keep track of every enterprise deal and where it is delivered in the network so that you always have the correct information for support, maintenance, and invoicing.
Optimize the ticketing process by using one process where you can manage all your customers and differentiate depending on customer type and SLA.
#1 COS Christmas Calendar 2023 — Improved Area Functionality
#1 is a really cool feature update! We have significantly extended the Area functionality in Business Engine. When expanding your network, you can use the demand aggregation features to allow potential subscribers to take surveys or pre-signup, making sure you build where you have committed subscribers. The Areas’s, often called “Fiberhoods” or “Service Zones”, status determines what the potential subscriber will be presented with when they search for their address in the Marketplace, and you can now define these yourself! Perhaps your fiberhoods go through the statuses show interest, signup, installation, connected? This update makes it even easier to tailor service offerings and promotions to these unique areas, even after build-out. As a bonus, we have made it possible for you to choose your own colors to indicate the status of the areas on the admin maps, and creating them is even easier with improved import and editing functionality.
Fiber Marketing with COS Systems
Fiber to the home is a take-rate game! The main goal is to make your network as attractive as possible for subscribers and to increase take rates.
Are you a traditional Internet Service Provider (ISP), an Open Access Operator, an ISP on an open access network or a wholesale network operator? Either way, your main goal is to make the network as attractive as possible and to have as many subscribers as possible to increase revenues.
As an ISP, you want to promote your company and all your services. As a network operator, you want to promote every service available on your network – whether it is an internet service, telehealth (telemedicine), or something else.
Fiber Marketing
What you need is an online marketplace that allows you to present all services to the end customer: A subscriber marketplace that allows self-service and a great customer experience 24/7.
This gives your subscribers to order what they want – when they want and to easily switch or add services, and it allows you to operate your business more efficiently, with less staff and more profitable.
Let’s Connect and Transform Your Fiber Project
Are you ready to take the next step in transforming your fiber project? If you’re looking for a partner committed to automation, efficiency, and excellence, COS Systems is here to help.
Contact Us today and discuss how our fiber network solutions can empower your business bridging the digital divide and providing our communities with comprehensive FTTH coverage.
If you want to dive deeper into the topic, I highly recommend reading our whitepaper.
What is BEAD? The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program Explained
Wondering what the BEAD Program actually is?
You’re not alone. There’s $42.45 billion in broadband funding up for grabs, and if you’re in the business of internet infrastructure—whether public or private—you need to understand what’s happening.
Quick Take: What Is the BEAD Program?
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is the largest federal investment in broadband infrastructure in U.S. history—$42.45 billion to connect the unconnected.
The goal? To expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, deployment, and digital adoption initiatives across:
From state agencies to non-profits to local ISPs, BEAD is designed to help fund broadband expansion in places that need it most.
Why the BEAD Program Matters
This is more than a federal program—it’s a once-in-a-generation chance to close the digital divide. Here’s what it addresses:
The program isn’t just about laying fiber—it’s about creating inclusive, long-term digital infrastructure.
Who Can Apply for BEAD Grants?
This program isn’t just for the big telcos. Here’s who can participate:
Applicants that prioritize affordability, community impact, and open access will have an advantage when states score proposals.
What Will BEAD Fund?
BEAD covers the full broadband lifecycle—from early planning to adoption support. Funded activities include:
The key is designing projects that are scalable, inclusive, and sustainable for the long haul.
BEAD Timeline: What’s Happening When
The program is structured in phases, and we’re moving fast. Here’s the high-level schedule:
Discover COS System’s BSS Platform
BSS Platform/Billing Platform/Billing Solution
Your typical Business Support System, (often also referred to as Billing System or Billing Platform) handles the business side of telecommunications and your customer needs. This includes, for example.
To help you plan, visualize and share the progress of your project and make data driven decisions.
Or order orchestration that allows you to capture, validate and track orders from different channels, simplify order management processes and reduces “time to market” significantly.
To streamline a number of customer-related services, from billing and order processing to subscriptions and notifications.
Uses intelligent cloud-based billing software to automate billing and ensure revenue tracking and management.
Essentially, a BSS platform ensures that the business operates smoothly and that customers are happy.
A BSS platform essentially ensures that the business operates smoothly and that customers are happy. In Telecommunications, BSS and OSS (Operational Support System) should work smoothly together, as in our COS Product Suite.
Discover COS System’s OSS Solution
What is an OSS Platform?
An Operations Support System (OSS) manages the actual telecommunications infrastructure. This includes, for example.
Network monitoring is a critical IT process in which all networking components, such as routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and VMs, are monitored for fault and performance and evaluated continuously to maintain and optimize their availability.
NMS can be used to configure and manage devices on the network. Most NMSs include a dashboard that allows network administrators to see a high-level overview of the network. This dashboard typically provides information on network traffic, performance and any errors or issues that must be addressed immediately.
Helps you prepare and equip a network to allow it to provide new services to its users
An OSS solution ensures that the business’s technical side runs smoothly. As in our COS Product Suite, BSS (Business Solution Platform) and OSS (Operational Support System) should work smoothly in Telecommunications.
Discover COS System’s OSS and BSS solutions!
What is the Difference between OSS and BSS in telecom?
Introduction: Why OSS and BSS Matter
If you’re running or planning a fiber network, you’ve probably heard people throwing around the terms OSS and BSS. But what do they actually mean? And why do they matter so much when building and scaling telecom and FTTH networks?
The short answer: OSS (Operations Support Systems) keeps your network running. BSS (Business Support Systems) keeps your business and customers happy. Together, they form the backbone of any successful telecom operation.
What is BSS in Telecom?
Think of BSS as the business brain of your telecom network. It’s everything customer-facing, from the first product idea to the monthly bill.
In short, BSS makes sure your customers are happy and your business is profitable.
What is OSS in Telecom?
While BSS focuses on business, OSS runs the actual network. It’s the behind-the-scenes tech stack that ensures your fiber stays online.
In short, OSS keeps your network alive and kicking.
OSS vs BSS: What’s the Difference?
Both are essential. Without BSS, you don’t get paid. Without OSS, your network doesn’t work.
Why OSS and BSS Must Work Together
Here’s the thing: OSS and BSS are only powerful if they’re connected. If your billing system can’t talk to your network system, you’ll hit roadblocks:
The magic happens when OSS and BSS work seamlessly in one ecosystem—like with COS Systems.
How COS Systems Powers FTTH Networks with OSS/BSS
At COS Systems, we’ve built the COS Business Engine, an end-to-end platform that integrates both OSS and BSS. It’s designed for fiber networks of all types—vertically integrated ISPs, wholesalers, or Open Access models.
We’ve seen it firsthand: more than 200 fiber networks worldwide run on our solutions. From rural communities to large city builds, OSS and BSS are the secret sauce to making FTTH projects succeed.
Key Takeaways
If you’re serious about growing your FTTH network, an integrated OSS/BSS solution is not optional—it’s essential.
Ready to explore how COS can help your network succeed? Let’s talk.