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What is a Neutral Host Network?

Neutral Host Network: The Future of Shared Connectivity

What is a Neutral Host Network?

Ever wonder why some areas have only one internet provider while others have more choice?
That’s where a neutral host network comes in.
It’s a broadband network built to be open to multiple service providers.
Think of it like a highway that anyone can drive on instead of private toll roads.
The network owner focuses on infrastructure.
Providers focus on services.
Communities get choice, competition, and coverage.

Why Communities and Providers Care

Cities want affordable, reliable broadband.
Providers want to expand without crushing infrastructure costs.
Residents want options—not just one ISP.
A neutral host network checks all three boxes.
It’s built for scale, flexibility, and shared use.
That’s why more local governments and private partners are looking at this model.

The Problems Neutral Host Networks Solve

Broadband expansion has some real challenges:

  • High build costs – fiber and wireless deployments are expensive.
  • Limited competition – one provider often dominates a market.
  • Slow expansion – small ISPs struggle to break in.
  • Funding pressure – federal and state programs demand sustainable solutions.
    Neutral host networks help overcome each of these.

How Neutral Host Networks Work in Practice

Here’s the simple version:

  • One network, many tenants
  • A neutral host (city, utility, or private company) builds and maintains the infrastructure.
  • Multiple service providers lease capacity and compete to serve end users.
    It’s not theory—it’s already happening in the U.S. and abroad.

Benefits for Providers, Cities, and End Users

For providers:

  • Lower entry costs
  • Faster time to market
  • No need to duplicate infrastructure

For cities:

  • Long-term ownership of critical infrastructure
  • More providers = more digital equity
  • Attracts businesses and talent

For end users:

  • More choice
  • Better prices
  • Improved service quality

Funding and Sustainability: Making it Real

Federal programs like BEAD, ARPA, and CPF are pouring billions into broadband.
But money alone doesn’t solve sustainability.

Here’s what makes a neutral host network last:

  • Open access policies that attract providers
  • Scalable platforms to manage services and billing
  • Community buy-in to keep adoption high. Without these, even funded projects risk stalling.

Stories from the Field

When I worked with state broadband offices, one pattern stood out.
Projects with single-provider control often hit roadblocks.
But when communities set up open access or neutral host models, things moved faster.
Example: A small Midwest city used federal funds to build shared fiber.
Within months, three ISPs signed on.
Competition drove prices down by 20%.
That’s the power of the model.

What to Watch for Next

The neutral host network isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming the backbone of digital equity.
Expect to see:

  • More public-private partnerships
  • Wireless neutral hosts powering 5G small cells
  • Platforms that simplify multi-provider network management
    The future isn’t about one provider owning the road.
    It’s about building the road together—and letting everyone drive on it.

Learn more

Open Access Broadband Solutions

COS Business Engine

NTIA BEAD Program

FCC Broadband Data

 

Learn more and contact us today!
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Join Open Access Day 2025

Open Access Day 2025: Back; Bigger & Bolder

First off — a huge thank you to everyone who made Open Access Day 2024 such a success! Your energy, insights, and support were key to making it a standout moment for the open access community.

Now, we’re thrilled to announce:

Open Access Day 2025 is happening on June 1

Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, TN
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM – just before Fiber Connect kicks off
Attendance: Free- Invite your network!

This year, we’re leveling up. With the open access model gaining real traction across the U.S., we’re expecting 150–200 participants from across the investor, operator, and ISP ecosystem. And we’d love to have you be part of it again.

THE DAY | 12 pm to 5 pm | Insight. Connection. Momentum.

The event kicks off at 12:00 pm with a light stand-up lunch and your first opportunity to connect with key players in the industry. The afternoon program features:

  • 12pm-1 pm | A keynote session from an industry thought leader and lunch

  • 1pm-5pm | Three high-impact, highly interactive expert panels

  • 5pm-6pm | A post-panel networking session with beer and wine

THE NIGHT | 7 pm to 10 pm | The Open (Access) Bar Returns

Back by popular demand, our evening networking event — the Open (Access) Bar — sponsored by us and our Elite Partners will start at 7:00 PM at a location still to be revealed (we’re working on something extra special!). Expect great food, flowing drinks, and unbeatable networking.

AGENDA

Keynote – The Consolidation Race: Seizing the Golden Opportunity in Open Access

– Insights from Isak Finér, CRO, COS Systems

Open access is at a turning point. As fiber consolidation accelerates and competition intensifies, the window to lead—and win—in the open access space is closing fast. In this dynamic keynote, COS Systems CEO Isak Finér will unpack the forces driving the current wave of consolidation and what it means for operators, ISPs, investors, and municipalities alike.

With over a decade of experience at the forefront of open access innovation, Isak will explore where the real opportunities lie—both in untouched greenfields and underutilized brownfields. Attendees will gain critical insights into who’s moving fastest, where capital is flowing, and how agile players can secure long-term market position before the next wave of consolidation locks the doors.

This session is not just a call to action—it’s a strategic roadmap for anyone looking to thrive in the rapidly shifting landscape of open access broadband.

Panel Discussion I

Investor-Owned Open Access: The New Blueprint for Last Mile Networks

As open access gains momentum, investor-backed wholesale models are becoming the preferred approach to last-mile deployment. This panel will explore how groups like Meridiam, AT&T, Prime, DIG, and Ubiquity are reshaping the open access market. Hear directly from the leaders behind these networks on the financial models, operational strategies, and partnerships that are driving scalable, future-proof infrastructure.

Moderator: TBD
Panelists: TBD



Panel Discussion II

Lessons from the Frontlines: Do’s and Don’ts of Building Open Access Networks

What does it really take to launch and grow a successful Open Access network? Learn from the operators, ISPs, and municipal leaders who’ve already navigated the process. From vendor relationships to marketing and take-rate strategies, this panel delivers actionable insights and avoids the pitfalls others have faced.

Moderator: TBD
Panelists: TBD



Panel Discussion III

The Open Access ISP Playbook: Competing, Partnering, and Scaling

In an open access environment, success isn’t just about delivering great internet — it’s about standing out in a shared market, building strong relationships with infrastructure partners, and scaling smart.

This panel dives into the strategies that high-performing ISPs are using to thrive on open access networks. From pricing models and customer experience to marketing tactics and platform integration, we’ll hear directly from ISPs about what’s working, what’s not, and how to grow in a competitive, multi-provider landscape.

Whether you’re already operating on open access networks or exploring the model for the first time, this session is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples to help you sharpen your edge.

Moderator: TBD
Panelists: TBD

Sponsorship Opportunities

We’ve updated the sponsorship packages to give you even more visibility and connection time with your target audience.

Open Access Day Partner – $1,500

  • Logo featured on all event marketing (website, social, signage)

  • Verbal recognition during the general session keynote

  • Guaranteed speaking slot on one of our three panels
    (Panel selection based on order of signup)

Open Access Elite Partner – $3,000

  • Premium logo placement across all event materials

  • Recognition at the general session keynote

  • Guaranteed panel speaking slot

  • Featured branding + 5-minute speaking opportunity at the Open Access Bar

Attendance is Free — Invite Your Network

As always, Open Access Day is free to attend.
As a sponsor, we encourage you to invite colleagues, partners, or anyone curious about the open access model.
Note: Open Access Day registration does not include access to Fiber Connect.

Ready to sponsor or have questions?

Get in touch with us at adam.puckett@cossystems.com or reach out directly through the links below.

Sponsorship Registration
Attendee Registration
Open Access Bar Registration

Let’s make Open Access Day 2025 one for the books!

 

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Automate Your Network from Mapping to Operations

Managing fiber network operations is complex, from mapping and demand aggregation to installation, billing, and support. Operators often face delays, errors, and inefficiencies due to challenging hand-offs between teams and systems. COS Business Engine offers a comprehensive solution to streamline every stage of your operations, reducing errors, accelerating timelines, and enhancing the customer experience:

 Integration Capabilities and Flexible APIs

  • COS Business Engine APIs: Business Engine provides robust APIs and webhooks for integrating third-party tools like VETRO FiberMap enabling seamless data exchange and continuous mapping updates. This integration lets operators efficiently manage both physical network and subscriber data.
  • Network Management: Integrating with third-party mapping and network management software allows Business Engine to automatically update serviceable addresses, network statuses, and work orders. This seamless integration ensures that network data remains accurate and actionable, streamlining operations and enhancing service management.

Automated, Demand Driven Planning

  • Demand Aggregation Tools: Business Engine’s demand aggregation functionality helps operators gauge interest across mapped areas, which is crucial for informed planning. Using Business Engine’s pre-signup features, operators can identify high-interest areas and prioritize them based on updated mapping data, targeting areas with high demand and optimizing ROI.

Automated Installments and Provisioning

  • Installment Workflow: Business Engine automates tasks from initial connection to diagnostics. Integrating third-party mapping data allows for dynamic updates to deployment phases and service eligibility, streamlining the build-out process based on real-time geographic and technical information.
  • Zero-Touch Provisioning: Once a location is ready for service, Business Egnine enables zero-touch provisioning, which automatically activates services and captures critical deployment data, such as ONT diagnostics, for smooth service delivery.

Subscriber Management and Service Provisioning

  • Automated Subscriber Services: Operators can use Business Engine’s marketplace and customer portal to allow self-service for service selection. Our integration with third-party mapping solutions allows automatic updates to network availability on subscriber portals, enabling customers to instantly check service eligibility based on the latest build-out status.

COS Business Engine’s integration with fiber network management platforms like VETRO or OSPInsight/IQGeo, combined with automated workflows for installments, service activation, and demand aggregation, delivers an end-to-end solution for fiber network operators to manage their infrastructure seamlessly.

Learn more and book your demo today!
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Why Is Data Integrity Important

Data Integrity COS Systems

Why is Data Integrity Important?

Data integrity is crucial for the success of any system, particularly one like COS Business Engine, managing complex network operations and customer interactions. Here’s why maintaining data integrity is essential:

Accurate Decision-Making: Reliable data allows network operators to make informed decisions. For instance, precise diagnostics and service provisioning data enable quick troubleshooting and ensure customers receive the correct services.

Operational Efficiency: Automated processes in COS Business Engine depend heavily on clean, validated data. Inaccuracies can disrupt workflows, leading to service delays, billing errors, or provisioning failures, all of which increase operational costs and workloads.

Customer Satisfaction: Accurate data ensures a seamless user experience. Customers rely on precise information about service availability, pricing, and billing. When data integrity is compromised, issues such as incorrect billing or service disruptions arise, ultimately leading to dissatisfaction.

Compliance and Revenue Assurance: Inaccurate data can result in billing disputes or compliance challenges, especially in Open Access or wholesale networks involving multiple service providers. High data integrity ensures accurate billing and minimizes revenue loss from “free riders” or errors.

Security and Trust: Data integrity protects against unauthorized changes or corruption, ensuring sensitive customer and network data remains secure. This transparency fosters trust between service providers and customers or partners.

Within COS Business Engine, data integrity is a fundamental aspect of the platform’s design, supporting accurate and reliable operations. The platform employs several methods to maintain high data quality:

  • Automation and Validation: The system automates tasks like service provisioning and billing, relying on accurate data inputs. Thousands of validations are built into the platform to prevent errors and maintain data integrity.
  • Real-Time Data Monitoring: Integration with network management systems provides real-time status updates, enabling proactive network performance monitoring and issue resolution.
  • Centralized Database: Key data such as subscriber information, service locations, and billing details are stored in a centralized database, ensuring consistency across different platform modules.
  • API Integration and Data Synchronization: APIs facilitate seamless integration with third-party systems, ensuring data remains synchronized and accurate.

By automating processes, implementing rigorous validation, and ensuring continuous monitoring, COS Business Engine reduces human error and enhances data quality. This, in turn, supports efficient, secure, and reliable network operations.

Learn more and book your demo today!
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How is an Open Access Network structured?

How Open Access Can Increase Scalability with Minimal Staff 

Open Access networks help scalability with minimal staff through several key mechanisms:

  1. Division of Responsibilities: In Open Access, the network operator is responsible for maintaining the physical infrastructure, while multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer services like internet, TV, and phone over the network. This means that ISPs handle customer-facing, time-consuming tasks such as billing, and customer support, which significantly reduces the workload for the network operator’s staff​​.
  2. Automation: This business model requires a platform like COS Business Engine that supports automation throughout the network lifecycle. Integrations with external platforms like Nokia and Vetro automate tasks like provisioning and network mapping and activate services without manual intervention when a customer places an order. Similarly, automated billing processes for ISPs ensure that the operator does not need to handle financial transactions, reducing administrative overhead​​.
  3. Efficient Use of Infrastructure: Open Access maximizes the use of existing infrastructure by enabling multiple service providers to operate on the same physical network. This shared infrastructure model allows the operator to scale the network to serve more customers without proportionately expanding staff.
  4. ISP Handled Customer Support: Since ISPs manage customer support, troubleshooting, and issue resolution for their subscribers, the operator’s staffing needs for customer service are significantly reduced. ISPs use integrated platforms and tools like a subscriber marketplace to manage customer interactions, freeing the operator from directly interacting with end-users except for infrastructure maintenance.

Conclusion

By automating core operations, leveraging self-service tools, and delegation customer-facing roles to ISPs, Open Access allows network operators to scale efficiently with a minimal workforce, focusing on maintaining and expanding the network infrastructure.

Learn more and book your demo today!

 

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How an online marketplace outperforms your phone service

An integrated marketplace such as COS online marketplace outperforms traditional phone service in several key ways, thanks to its automation, self-service functionality, and scalability:

24/7 Accessibility: COS’ online marketplace is always available, allowing customers to browse, purchase, and manage services at their convenience, independent of any business hours.

Instant Service Activation: COS Business Engine’s marketplace integrates automatic service activation, so when a customer purchases a service, it is immediately provisioned and ready for use within minutes. This eliminates the delays that often occur with phone-based transactions, where manual intervention is needed​​.

Self-Service Efficiency: The platform’s self-service capabilities allow customers to resolve many issues independently. Service selection, billing, and account management can be handled without waiting on hold for support, which reduces the workload on customer service representatives (CSRs) and speeds up issue resolution.

Accurate Information: Customers get the latest information and details on services, pricing, and terms directly from the marketplace. This reduces the risk of miscommunication that can occur with phone interactions.

Enhanced User Experience: COS marketplace is designed to offer a superior user experience. Customers can easily navigate the interface to find what they need, avoiding the complexity of phone menus and long wait times. The platform also supports multiple service providers in an open-access model, offering more choices and driving higher satisfaction​s

Conclusion

By combining automation, convenience, and user control, COS’ online marketplace provides a faster, more efficient, and user-friendly alternative to phone-based services.

Learn more and book your demo today!
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COS IS CURIOUS – Would you like to be able to compare different broadband deals from a range of providers?

Great user experience is crucial; therefore, we’d like to know what’s important to you as an internet user‍.

In many areas, there is still one dominant Internet Service Provider (ISP), leaving subscribers with limited choice. Therefore, we wanted to know if you would like to be able to compare different broadband deals from a range of providers, and the results show that 100% of participants would like to have that freedom of choice when they are looking for a new internet connection.

This is not surprising, but it underscores an important fact. Like in a grocery store or when shopping on Amazon, people want the freedom to choose between products and prices when looking for a new internet connection. In Broadband – this translates to a so-called Open Access Network, a business model that allows multiple service providers to operate and compete on the same network, giving subscribers a wide range of choices. Read Noanet’s article describing Open Access Networks.

Different Service Providers on a network mean increased competition, which creates better prices for the subscribers and ensures a high level of service quality. It also means that more subscribers will find and sign up for an Internet Connection that fits their needs (an increased take-rate).

Combined with an online marketplace such as ours, you provide your customers with 24/7 self-service so they can choose what they want when they want.

COS Business Engine is tailor-made for Open Access Networks and offers a customizable integrated online marketplace. It also offers zero-touch service provisioning, ensuring that once a subscriber has chosen a service, it is automatically activated and available at their address within minutes, making the process seamless and convenient.

We’ve been doing Open Access since the get-go and are always open to sharing our knowledge. Contact us if you want to learn more.

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Open Access Broadband – Bringing Choice and Connectivity to Your Community

Access to high-speed internet has become essential for individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive in today’s increasingly digital world. However, in many areas of the United States, private providers are not building fiber infrastructure at a pace that meets the growing demand for reliable broadband services. This gap in connectivity poses significant challenges, particularly in rural regions where low subscriber density makes it less economically viable for private providers to invest.

To address this issue, many local leaders are exploring alternative options to ensure their residents are not left behind in the digital age. One increasingly popular solution is the adoption of Open Access broadband networks. This model, which has gained traction globally and is now making its mark in the USA, aims to give communities greater control over their digital infrastructure while promoting competition and choice among service providers.

Understanding Open Access Broadband

At its core, the Open Access model is built on the principle of separating the various layers of a broadband network:

  1. Infrastructure Layer: This layer consists of the physical cables and conduits that make up the network. Often referred to as the “Passive” layer, it forms the foundation upon which the network is built.
  2. Operations Layer: Also known as the “Active” layer, this involves lighting up the physical network with electronics and ensuring its proper functioning. It includes tasks such as network management, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  3. Services Layer: This layer encompasses the various services delivered over the network, such as internet, phone, TV, telehealth, home security, and IoT services. By separating this layer, communities can offer consumers a wide range of services from multiple providers.

Common Models of Open Access Broadband

  1. Dark Fiber Open Access: The community provides the passive infrastructure layer (dark fiber) and allows private providers to lease access and use it as they wish. This model is akin to building highways for private use.
  2. Dark Fiber Middle Mile Open Access: The community builds fiber in streets, while private providers bring electronics to light up services and connect homes. This model extends infrastructure to neighborhoods.
  3. Dark Fiber Last Mile Open Access: The community builds all-fiber infrastructure and leases it to private providers, who operate the network and sell services to customers. This model ensures widespread fiber connectivity.
  4. Lit Open Access – Single Provider: The community builds the entire fiber network, invests in electronics up to customers’ premises, and invites service providers to resell services on wholesale terms. Customers have the freedom to choose providers.
  5. True Open Access (Lit Open Access – Multiple Providers): Customers have complete freedom to choose between providers and services on a granular level. This model maximizes consumer choice and fosters competition.

The Role of COS Business Engine

COS Business Engine is a software platform designed to support the operations of True Open Access Networks. Since its launch in 2008, it has been instrumental in automating network operations and enabling around 150 True Open Access Networks worldwide.

Learn More About Open Access Networks

To explore the concept of Open Access Networks and their benefits for your community, check out our resources:

Learn more and book your demo today!

 

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FTTH Fiber to the Home Automation Solutions

FTTH Fiber to the Home Automation Solutions

FTTH Fiber to the Home Automation Solutions

COS software solutions, tailored for Fiber-to-the-Home operators and Service Providers, offer a robust fiber network automation and management solution. At the heart of this is the COS Business Engine, a unified BSS OSS platform that efficiently enables the provision of multiple services over a single fiber connection. This empowers network operators to expand their service offerings and discover new revenue streams. Moreover, it allows them to streamline operations and customer support to effectively meet the growing demand for private networks. COS’ open-access capabilities provide you with: 

Higher take-rates:

COS’ open-access capabilities result in significantly higher take rates than marketing a single service network. Consumers usually spend more when given various choices, with take rates often up to three times higher.

A More Profitable Business Model:

By accessing wholesale revenue streams, you can become a specialist in your field and create a more profitable business model. This approach allows you to leverage your expertise and offer a range of services to different market segments.

Improved  public and private partnerships:

COS solutions promote better public-private partnerships. Municipalities can invest in infrastructure and provide enhanced digital services to their citizens without competing directly with commercial consumer services.

Contact us today to learn more about how COS can help you overcome the challenges of managing fiber infrastructure and providing reliable broadband connections.

Learn more and book your demo today!

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Be Part of a Northern American Premiere and Join the First Conference Dedicated to Open Access

As you have surely noticed, the interest in Open Access Networks is growing by the day, but there is still some confusion about what it really is. Therefore, we have teamed up with our friends at Connected America to arrange a pre-conference day focusing exclusively on Open Access. The program starts at lunch and ends with an Open (Access) Bar close to the venue.

Find Out More Join the Conference Register for the Open Access Bar

12 pm – 1 pm | Lunch

1 pm – 1:50 pm | Keynote 

Understanding the Increasing Popularity of Open Access and key business model considerations for success – Insights from Mikael Philipsson, CEO, COS Systems 

The future of fiber is a digital society with Everyone and Everything relying on digital infrastructure. Paired with the current trends of consolidation, more expensive build costs and a race to invest in fiber roll out – all roads lead to shared infrastructure and open access. Mikael Philipsson, former CTO and CEO at one of the largest Open Access networks globally, IP Only (now Global Connect), led this journey on a national scale in Sweden, which has a fiber penetration of 98% today. He shares his insights on why Open Access is the right choice and how to structure the business case to make Open Access a success.

2 pm – 2:50 pm | Panel Discussion I

Three Layers of an Open Access Network: A Thorough Look at Roles and Responsibilities

Moderator: Keith Ponton, Senior Practice Lead, Arcadis
Panelists:

Gregg Shepperd, Senior Engagement Leader at Fujitsu Network Communications

Beni Blell, Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing, Hexatronic 

Gabe Gomez, VP Customer Experience, Syringa Networks

Pankaj Gulati, Head of Products and Platforms, Ubiquity 

The key characteristics of an Open Access Network are the separation of the network infrastructure, the neutral operations of the network, and the independent service providers selling their services to subscribers. This panel will explain these different roles and show that you can run an efficient fiber network by working with specialized partners without doing everything yourself.

3 pm – 3:50 pm | Panel Discussion II 

Exploring the Advantages of Open Access Networks for Internet Service Providers and Their Operations Support Requirements 

Moderator: John Zannos, Partner at Digital Ubiquity Capital
Panelists: 

Phil Roberts, Chief Executive Officer at Valo Networks

Brian Hollister, CEO and Co-Founder at Bonfire Infrastructure Group

Dan Johnson, Product Manager, Connect Fast

Aaron Hildreth, Founder, Intellipop Internet Services 

On an Open Access Network, all parties rely on each other for success. Internet Service Providers often have financial or workforce constraints limiting their ability to build fiber at a large scale. On an Open Access network, their Capex investment is minimal, and they can focus on providing high-quality services and support to their subscribers. But to be able to do this, they need a strong operator partner offering tools to efficiently sell, deliver, and troubleshoot on the shared network.

4 pm- 4:50 pm | Panel Discussion III

Navigating the Choice of Tech Stack for Open-Access Networks: Key Considerations for Success.

Moderator: Isak Finér, CRO, COS Systems 
Panelists: 

Robin Harder, Woven Product Lead at Arcadis

Sean Dundon, Director – Partner and Channel Development at VETRO FiberMap

Rob Laudati, VP – Product & Partnerships, Render Networks

Don Eben, CEO, Core Network Strategies

Despite the digital nature of fiber networks, a lot of legacy systems, technology, and manual processes are still in use. The Open Access model of sharing one infrastructure creates a whole different set of requirements and challenges that legacy technology can not solve. This panel explores the benefits of a “digital first” approach and how important integrations and automated workflows are becoming – especially in Open Access Networks.

5 pm- 6:00 pm | After-Panel Drinks and Socializing

Grab a beer and take the opportunity to grow your network of Open Access experts. Courtesy of the Open Access Day sponsors.

7 pm – 10 pm | Open (Access) Bar 

COS Systems and all other Elite Sponsors are inviting you to continue the fun and discussions at Bar Louie,  360 W Las Colinas Blvd #100, Irving, Texas 75039

Find Out More Join the Conference Register for the Open Access Bar
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