Building and operating a fiber broadband network can be a complex process, but with the right tools and a systematic approach, it becomes efficient and streamlined. The COS Business Engine provides a comprehensive solution that guides network operators through every stage of the fiber network lifecycle. Below, we outline the six key steps to plan, build, and operate your fiber network effectively.
1. Market Analysis and Demand Aggregation
The process begins with identifying areas with the highest demand for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services. Using COS Service Zones, you can:
- Survey and Signup: Conduct surveys and collect signups from potential customers to gauge interest and demand.
- Decision to Deploy: With sufficient confirmed demand, operators can make an informed decision to move forward with deploying fiber in a specific area. At this stage, the area is transitioned into the “In Deployment” phase in the COS Business Engine.
This data-driven approach ensures resources are focused on areas with the greatest market potential.
2. Planning and Pre-Deployment
Once the decision to deploy has been made, detailed planning and preparation are critical for a successful rollout:
- Object Creation: Each serviceable address is created as an “object” within the COS Business Engine, either manually or through bulk data imports.
- Object Status Management: Track the readiness of service locations, categorized as “In Deployment” or “Deliverable,” to ensure an organized rollout.
- Work Orders: The system generates work orders for tasks such as laying fiber and installing equipment (e.g., Optical Network Terminals or ONTs).
This phase ensures that all necessary groundwork is in place before deployment begins.
3. Deployment and Installation
The physical installation of fiber is carried out in this phase:
- Network Construction: Field crews connect the fiber from the distribution network to the home.
- ONT Installation: Once fiber reaches the home, the ONT is installed to connect customers to the network.
- Testing: After installation, diagnostic tests, such as light level measurements and speed tests, are performed to confirm the quality of the connection. Test results are stored in the COS system for future reference.
The COS Deployment Portal tracks each step of the installation process, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
4. Service Activation
Once the infrastructure is in place, activating customer services is fast and easy:
- Auto-Provisioning: The COS Business Engine uses its Zero-Touch Provisioning feature to automatically provision services once the ONT is installed. Customers can activate their services directly from the COS-powered marketplace.
- Marketplace for Service Selection: Customers can browse and select services through the online marketplace. In an Open Access Network, service providers can independently manage and publish their offerings without the involvement of the network operator.
This streamlined activation process reduces delays and enhances the customer experience.
5. Post-Installation and Support
After service activation, ongoing monitoring and support are essential to maintain high service quality:
- Service Monitoring: The COS Business Engine continuously tracks performance metrics, such as light levels and service uptime, ensuring network reliability.
- Ticketing and Support: When issues arise, customers or customer service representatives (CSRs) can create support tickets and use diagnostic data, such as speed test results, to resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
This approach ensures minimal downtime and improves customer satisfaction.
6. Ongoing Operations
With the network up and running, the focus shifts to long-term management and growth:
- Network Expansion: The COS Business Engine helps operators analyze demand in other areas, allowing them to prioritize expansions strategically.
- Automated Billing and Admin: Day-to-day tasks, such as billing and service management, are automated within the system, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring smooth operations.
By continuously analyzing performance and demand, operators can scale their network sustainably while maintaining exceptional service quality.
Ready to optimize your operations? Contact us today to learn more!
