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NoaNet and COS Systems Partner to Support Mason PUD 3 in Major Fiber Expansion

Mason PUD 3 provides broadband access to over 1 000 households in addition to businesses, anchor institutes and their own facilities on their open-access fiber optic network. This summer, the PUD (Public Utility District) ramped up their network expansion by offering their customers a favorable amortization plan to recover the installation costs, thereby not restricting residents from signing up due to high initial expenses. To stay within budget and optimize the order of build out they turned to NoaNet  for support in demand aggregation. By utilizing the COS Service Zones platform NoaNet offers this in partnership with COS Systems.

Shelton, WA – Mason County is nestled in the rural southeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Like most rural communities, residents are clamoring for better broadband. Since 2000, Mason PUD 3 has been extending its open-access, nondiscriminatory fiber optic network to various regions of its service territory.

Besides serving its own facilities, PUD 3’s network reaches over 1,000 businesses, homes, and anchor institutions.

Recently computed PUD 3 customer surveys showed that slow speeds, high costs, or unavailable service were frustrating shortcomings for those who live in the more rural areas of Mason County.

“PUD staff was happy with the clarity the survey provided,” said Justin Holzgrove, Mason PUD 3 telecommunications & community relations manager. “A large number of county residents wanted PUD fiber connections. We are good at what we do: providing reliable fiber service that retail service providers can use to deliver high quality broadband services.”

In July, 2017 Mason PUD 3 commissioners approved a “Fiberhood Program,” designed to expand access to PUD 3’s fiber optic network for gigabit speed broadband service. Holzgrove added, “This program is a milestone in the history of PUD 3.”

To save money and improve the effectiveness of network extensions, the PUD turned to the Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) for support in demand aggregation. Because NoaNet uses the COS Service Zones platform it offered its use in partnership with COS.

PUD 3’s “Fiberhood” process identifies potential neighborhoods that are unserved or underserved by broadband providers. Among other factors, expansion of service is based on a guaranteed level of customer commitment to obtain service from the fiber optic network. Cost recovery for the project comes through a monthly “construction adder fee” paid back over 12 years. As a public utility, it is PUD 3’s intent to recover costs, not create a profit.

“A demand aggregation campaign to secure a commitment for connections was based on two components,” said Holzgrove.  “First, we can ensure that we are investing in areas with demand and commitment. Connecting areas with great initial take-rates, means revenue to fund continuous deployment. Second, many residents are clamoring for faster and more reliable Internet connection. Building first, where most people want it and will commit for it, is fair.”

Mason PUD 3 is a founding member of NoaNet. The PUD sought NoaNet’s support in setting up the demand aggregation campaign.

“Kitsap PUD, another one of our forming members, has had positive experiences using COS System’s software,” said Angela Bennink, communications and outreach director at NoaNet. “We recently initiated a partnership to broaden NoaNet offerings to include demand aggregation and Open Access network operations. In cooperation with the COS experts we are happy to support Mason PUD 3 with the software and support they need to quickly launch their demand aggregation campaign.”

“At COS we are very excited to be a part of this project,” said Bjorn Wannman, COS systems manager of partnerships and strategic accounts. “Mason PUD 3 has a confirmed need for better broadband in their area, and a very attractive offer to their subscribers. I am positive it will be a great success, especially with such an experienced partner as NoaNet by their side.”

About Mason PUD3

Mason PUD 3 serves over 34,000 electric customers in Mason County, Washington. PUD 3 also runs a wholesale fiber optic telecommunications network, which supports the operation of its electricity system. For more information see www.pud3.org/fiberhood. For the COS Service Zones campaign platform, visit www.pud3.servicezones.net.

About NoaNet

Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) is a wholesale only telecommunications provider. With a world that is becoming ever more digital, it is critical for communities to have access to high quality telecommunications technology that is affordable. We engage our mission to serve as a platform provider for the State by consistently looking for new opportunities to expand in Washington in meaningful ways that bridge the digital divide. Our goal is to be innovative and meet the changing needs of the Washington community. For additional information, see http://www.noanet.net.

NoaNet was formed in 2000 as a non-profit corporation by a number of Public Utility Districts in Washington State in order to provide access to high speed broadband statewide. They currently offer fiber related services and operate a fiber ring spanning thousands of miles throughout the entire State of Washington allowing the forming PUD’s, but also private providers and municipalities to connect to the backbone to serve areas where high speed broadband was often not previously available.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

For additional information, contact:

Justin Holzgrove
Telecommunications & Community Relations Manager
Mason PUD 3
+1 (360) 432-5323
justinh@masonpud3.org
www.pud3.org

Angela Bennink
Communications and Outreach Director
NoaNet
+1 (360) 271-3425
angela.bennink@noanet.net
www.noanet.net

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems
+46 737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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COS Systems Once Again Recognized as a FTTH Top 100 Company in the USA

FTTH Top 100 2017

For the 5th consecutive year, COS Systems was recognized by Broadband Communities Magazine as one of the Top 100 companies in the Fiber To The Home Industry in the United States. COS Systems software solutions are contributing to the increasing pace of fiber deployment in the country by allowing fiber builders to aggregate demand prior to build-out and enabling Network operators to manage their open access fiber networks efficiently.

New York, NY – “Ever since 2013 when we intensified our efforts to expand to the US market, Broadband Communities Magazine has acknowledged the importance of the software solutions and the experience we bring to the market. In the last year I believe that more than ever we have proved our importance to move the Fiber Broadband Industry forward and we are very proud to receive this acknowledgement from Broadband Communities for yet another year,” says COS systems CEO Peter Lidstrom.

COS Systems was founded by fiber veterans in Umea, Sweden in 2011 being spun out from one of the city’s leading IT consultancy firms. The city of Umea has one of the world’s first community owned fiber optic networks which started building out in 1994. This led to an ecosystem and creation of companies in the fiber broadband industry throughout the city. Today the city boasts software companies like COS Systems, which in 2016 was recognized by leading tech and business magazines as one of Sweden’s 33 hottest tech companies, but the city also has several open access operation companies and nationwide service providers selling services on over 200 open access networks.

The USA is now COS Systems’ largest market and the company is combining the experience gained on the mature Swedish market with new perspectives and ideas from the fast growing American market to develop innovative software solutions that will benefit fiber customers in the USA as well as globally. In 2016 COS Systems doubled its customer base and the growth has continued in 2017.

“Our success proves that our products are a great fit for the US market and I believe it will be even more so in the years to come as we now see the increasing interest from communities to build their own Open Access networks, which is where we really excel,” says COS Systems CEO Peter Lidstrom.

 “COS Systems has successfully tackled two major obstacles to deploying community broadband. Its software helps communities ensure that they can operate their networks cost-effectively and generate enough revenue to pay for deployment costs,” comments Masha Zager, Editor at Broadband Communities overseeing the work to select the Top 100 companies of the year.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

For additional information, contact:

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems
+46 737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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COS Systems Recognized as One of Sweden’s 33 Most Promising Tech Companies

Promising Tech Companies: COS Systems team at the recognition event.

Every year the leading tech and business magazines NyTeknik (New Technology) and Affärsvärlden (Business World) presents the list of Sweden’s most promising tech companies, poised to be game changers in their industries worldwide. The list has a proven track record of identifying young and innovative tech companies with potential for rapid global expansion, such as Spotify and Minecraft creators Mojang. Today COS Systems takes its place among these select few.

Stockholm, Sweden – The renowned 33 List celebrates its ten year anniversary with the event in the Swedish capital Stockholm on April 4th. Looking back at previous years’ lists there are several examples of companies that have been game changers and gained a leading position on a global market such as Spotify. A large number of the companies have been listed on stock exchanges and continue to grow rapidly, while some get acquired by the tech giants of the world, such as Apple, Microsoft and Google.

”The 33 List is where to look for up and coming tech companies. Seeing your company on that list is fantastic to say the least, but to identify yourself as a potential game changer in an industry is perhaps being over ambitious. Still, I honestly think we can help our customers overcome two big challenges they face. With COS Service Zones we help our customers generate and aggregate demand prior to the fiber build-out, making sure the network won´t fail due to lack of customers, which historically has been quite common. Also, many municipally owned networks are looking at the Open Access model with multiple private providers delivering service on their network to ensure competition and a choice of services and providers for their residents. This is a hard business model to manage, but that is something our systems has proven to do extremely well, “says COS Systems CMO Isak Finer.

 

“The fiber broadband industry is exploding in the USA and we at COS have worked hard to become an established provider in the marketplace. It takes some time to build the necessary relationships and trust, but we feel well positioned now to continue our successful expansion, primarily in the USA, but also elsewhere. Since we host our products in the cloud and they are built to be translated we can take on customers pretty much anywhere. From the start we built with global expansion in mind, as many Swedish companies do,” says Finer

 

“Sweden is not a large market in itself which is why international expansion is vital to growing tech companies. We have come far with most of our customers on export markets now, but for us it often feels like we are just getting started. This recognition proves that we not only have the right products, but also a strong position from where we can accelerate our international growth. For us as well as for any tech company in Sweden, making the 33 List is definitely a milestone to be proud of!“ summarizes COS Systems CEO Peter Lidstrom.

About 33-Listan

Which of today’s technology start-ups have the potential to be the stock exchange giants of tomorrow? To find out, Affärsvärlden and Ny Teknik have come up with the most important list currently available – 33-listan. This list has existed for ten years, and all the judges are editors on the teams at Affärsvärlden and Ny Teknik. Find out more about 33-list.

About COS Systems

COS Systems delivers cloud-hosted software to plan, build, and operate broadband networks globally.

COS Service Zones allows network builders to draw competing zones, or “Fiberhoods,” across their city and see real-time demand grow as customers sign up using branded websites. Once target take-rates are reached, the networks are deployed backed by committed customers and secured revenue.

COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution, supporting both single provider and Open Access Networks. Subscribers buy their Internet services from an online marketplace, which increases take rates, ARPU, and customer satisfaction, as the network owner can offer 24/7 availability while reaching maximum operations efficiency, thanks to the extensive use of the self-service solutions.

COS Systems takes customer needs and creates innovative software solutions that streamline customers’ business processes, boost sales and profitability, and create satisfied customers.

 

For additional information, contact:

Peter Lidstrom
Chief Executive Officer
COS Systems
+46 70 656 58 72
peter.lidstrom@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

or

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems
+46 737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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Our Customer Skekraft.net was announced the Best City Network in Sweden 2017

Skekraft Awarded Best City Network in Sweden 2017

Skekraft Awarded Best City Network in Sweden 2017
The Swedish Local Fibre Alliance is a non-profit trade association for network owners. It was established in 1998 and has about one hundred open access muni networks as members. At their annual conference, they announced Skekraft as the Best City Network in Sweden 2017.

Skelleftea Kraft Fiber Network (Skekraft.net) started their fiber deployment in the early 2000’s. After being a single provider themselves for the first years, they took the decision in 2009 to migrate over to an Open Access model. The positive effects from bringing in competition was immediate and today they have 11 providers offering Gigabit speed Internet, IP phone services, TV services as well as triple play packages on their network. With an abundance of providers and services to choose from and thus very competitive prices, they are boasting very impressive take-rates. They reach almost all of Skelleftea, a city with 33 000 residents, and a few of the larger surrounding villages, but are now expanding further out into the rural parts of the county they serve.

”In Skelleftea the city network has had the courage to try new approaches to increase the quality of their network. By organizationally separating the daily network operations from the group responsible for the network expansions with great success, Skelleftea Kraft proves that it’s not only about building networks, but also about operating them in a manner ensuring that the highest quality standards are met”, says Jorgen Svardh, Chairman of the Swedish Local Fibre Alliance, when announcing the winners.

 

“At COS Systems we are very proud that one of our first customers has been awarded this prestigious title. Ever since 2010 we’ve provided them with our BSS/OSS solution COS Business Engine to support them in their Open Access network operations. During these years we’ve seen their take-rate increase greatly and the ever improving financial figures they present makes your jaw drop, especially when considering that the prices of services on their network are among the lowest in Sweden as well as globally. We are also very pleased that we are part of their expansion process with COS Service Zones, helping them to generate and aggregate demand for fiber prior to deployment and thereby enabling them to build out their network where they will have the best ROI,” says COS Systems CMO Isak Finer.

 

“A well-deserved recognition for a fantastic job being done not just today, but every single day of the year. Our warmest congratulations to Skekraft!“ concludes Peter Lidstrom, CEO of COS Systems.

About COS Systems

COS Systems delivers cloud-hosted software to plan, build, and operate broadband networks globally.

COS Service Zones allows network builders to draw competing zones, or “Fiberhoods,” across their city and see real-time demand grow as customers sign up using branded websites. Once target take-rates are reached, the networks are deployed backed by committed customers and secured revenue. COS Service Zones delivers subscriber-backed, successful broadband networks, and no more failed projects.

COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution, supporting both single provider and Open Access Networks. Subscribers buy their Internet services from an online marketplace, which increases take rates, ARPU, and customer satisfaction, as the network owner can offer 24/7 availability, while reaching maximum operations efficiency, thanks to the extensive use of self-service solutions.

COS Systems takes customer needs and creates innovative software solutions that streamline customers’ business processes, boost sales and profitability, and create satisfied customers.

For additional information, contact:

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems
+46 737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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COS Systems Winners at Umeagalan

A unique product suite and the last years’ international successes were the main reasons why COS Systems was named winners in the category Best New Business at this year’s Umea Gala (Umeågalan).

COS Systems Team Triumphantly Holding the Best New Business Award at Umea Gala

Since 2004 the Umea Gala has recognized successful companies in COS System’s hometown Umea that are contributing positively to the city’s development and the local business community. This year the prize for Best New Business 2016, was won by COS Systems.

 “The best new business of the year is a company that enriches the business community of Umea with new ways of thinking. The winning company offers a unique product or service and has built a solid foundation for long term growth and success. The winner is a role model for others starting and growing their business. Other important factors are export outside of the city and country and the constant challenging of established ways of conducting business.”

“It’s always great to win and this prize is something we can all be very proud of,” says COS Systems CMO Isak Finer. “The entire COS team has worked very hard to develop, market and sell our unique solutions for Demand Aggregation (COS Service Zones) and Open Access Network Management (COS Business Engine). With the successes we’ve seen the past few years we all feel we are getting up to speed, but with our targets set very high the common feeling is that we’re just getting started. When you’re working hard every day it’s often difficult to take a step back and look at what you’ve achieved so far. This recognition made us do just that and we are very proud of the prize and what we have accomplished the past few years.”

“This prize might not have a great meaning to our international customers who probably have never even heard of Umea, but for us winning this prize is fantastic. We have a great team that has managed to take us to where we are today, with a truly unique product suite and customers soon in every corner of the world. But to keep the momentum going we need to grow our team. Backed by a state of the art fiber infrastructure our city boasts a very strong IT sector and there’s fierce competition to recruit developers and other competences we need. Winning this prize certainly puts us on the map. I hope and believe that this recognition will help us in recruiting the best talents,” says Peter Lidstrom, CEO.

About Umeågalan and Umeå

Umeågalan was founded in 2004 to recognize successful companies and entrepreneurs and their importance to the growth and development of the City of Umeå. The Gala has grown into the biggest and most important event for the city’s business community. It’s a place for entrepreneurs to meet and the vision of the event is that Umeå will offer the best opportunities for starting and growing new businesses in Sweden. Umeå is the largest city in the northern part of Sweden with 120,000 people. It is one of the fastest growing IT regions in the country with many successful startups and an inflow of new competency from one of Sweden’s largest universities with over 30,000 students.

About COS Systems

COS Systems is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

For additional information, contact:

Peter Lidstrom
Chief Executive Officer
COS Systems
+46 70 656 58 72
peter.lidstrom@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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COS Systems Nominated at Umeagalan

umeagalan

Since 2004 the Umea Gala has recognized successful companies in our hometown Umea that are contributing positively to the city’s development and the local business community.

We at COS are proud to be nominated in the category Best New Business 2016. It might sound odd that we, with roots from early 2000’s, our first major product released in 2008 and our foundation as a stand alone company in 2011 are awarded in this category, but when reading the description of the prize it makes perfect sense.

“The best new business of the year is a company that enriches the business community of Umea with new ways of thinking. The winning company offers a unique product or service and has built a solid foundation for long term growth and success. The winner is a role model for others starting and growing their business. Other important factors are export outside of the city and country and the constant challenging of established ways of conducting business.”

With our unique solutions for Demand Aggregation (COS Service Zones) and Open Access Network Management (COS Business Engine) and our international success we are very proud to be nominated in this category. In only the last year or two we have managed to win customers in more than half of all US states and with our latest customer in the Philippines the only continent left to cover is Australia.

Umea has a very strong business community, not at least in the IT sector, building on one of Sweden’s largest universities and excellent broadband infrastructure with fiber in the ground since the mid 90’s. Despite the strong competition we are keeping our hopes high. The winner will be announced this Thursday night at the grand gala.

For more information on Umeagalan, visit umegalan.se.

About COS Systems

COS Systems is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

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Meet the COS Team October 18th to 20th in Minneapolis

Road to Connectivity: Representing the Broadband Conference

COS Systems team present at this year’s Broadband Communities Economic Development Conference in Minneapolis will include International Business Development Björn Wännman and CMO Isak Finér along with CEO Peter Lidstrom and Chairman Göran Bergling.

Don’t miss Isak as a panelist during 2 separate sessions at the conference.

The first is on Tuesday October 18th for a workshop on Integrated Approaches to Broadband & Economic Development. He will be showing how to use social networking and software solutions to aggregate demand models in order to effectively create building plans, track service offerings and availability to customers.

Then he will be a panelist on a part of the Community Toolkit Program on Thursday October 20th on “Developing the Business Case: Part 3 – Demand Aggregation: Justifying the Investment. Here Isak will speak more in depth about Demand Aggregation, including various techniques and how communities have used the techniques to attract investments as well as how ISPs are able to pre-sell services in order to support buildout investments.

Swing by booth #22 and say hello to us, we are always eager to learn more about your expansion plans and discuss your thoughts on Demand Aggregation and Open Access Networks.

The event will run October 18th-20th in Minneapolis. For more information visit www.bbcmag.com.

About COS Systems

COS Systems is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

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Reabra aggregates demand for fiber-optics in Sao Paulo

Felipe Trevisan – Founder

Isak Finér and Peter Lidström - COS Systems

Isak Finér and Peter Lidström – COS System

Brazilian Open Access network operator Reabra will initially target residents in central Sao Paulo and neighboring cities Cotia and Rio das Pedras. The goal is to locate the neighborhoods showing most interest in high-speed Internet services in order to plan an optimal network build-out order following subscribers’ demand.

Sao Paulo, Brazil – Reabra is a fiber infrastructure provider offering Open Access Internet connections in Sao Paulo. Their vision is to offer high-speed Internet connections to residents, delivered over their open network infrastructure where multiple Service Providers will offer services to the subscribers. Using this approach, Reabra can focus on network expansion and efficient operations, while competition between the service providers will increase quality of service and drive price competition to the benefit of the residents. The services range from 100 MBps up to gigabit speeds without data caps or long-term contracts.

“As we expand our network it’s important for us to add many customers quickly. This is necessary for us to secure the network infrastructure investment, but also to attract service providers to deliver services on our network,” said Felipe Trevisan, Founder and CEO of Reabra. “With COS Service Zones we have a great platform to enable future subscribers to show their interest in our services, to spread the word in social media, and also become champions of their neighborhoods.”

“The obvious benefit of using COS Service Zones to signup customers before you build your network is that you can start building where you have the most subscribers and thus the most revenue. It makes a huge difference on the business side when your first deployed areas start generating cash flow from day one, providing stable funds for the subsequent build-out. But just as important is the ability to avoid those areas where take-rates are low. Imagine making your first investments in an area that doesn’t draw in any customers. Such a mistake could risk the future of the entire network buildout or even the company, since the bank or investors could lose their confidence in the project and the network itself is unprofitable,” said Isak Finér, Chief Marketing Officer at COS Systems.

The system is already beginning initial setup and soon residents in Sao Paulo can visit the Reabra’s COS Service Zones website to search for their address to see if they are in the targeted areas and show their interest in a faster fiber-optic Internet connection.

“We have customers across the globe in Europe, Africa, and North America. Reabra is our first customer in South America and an important milestone for our company. Our goal is to develop software solutions that allow our customers to make any necessary configurations and adjustments by themselves. This ease of use, along with our Cloud-hosted product suite means moving into new markets takes minimal effort. We are very happy to welcome Reabra to the COS family. We believe it will be a great beginning for more customers in South America,” said Peter Lidström, Chief Executive Officer at COS Systems.

About COS Service Zones

They used to say, “Build it, and they will come.” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber-optics by beginning with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other only to chase customers after. Just follow these steps:
1. Draw up multiple competing zones across your city or town.
2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
3. Wait until target take-rate is reached before deploying to accelerate profitability.
Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, with no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy, and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, while using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue, and result in more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

About Reabra

REABRA provides Brazil’s best option to get connected to the Internet at gigabit speeds. With a fiber-optic based open network infrastructure, subscribers are able to choose high-speed services from multiple service providers. This competition between providers ensures high-quality services at competitive prices. While current Brazilian providers are increasingly implementing data caps for customers, Reabra is proud to offer services on their network with unlimited data traffic and no long-term commitments.

For additional information contact:
Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Felipe Trevisan
Founder and CEO
Reabra
+55 (11) 96922-7667
felipe@reabra.com.br
www.reabra.com.br

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Kitsap PUD Signs Agreement to Manage Open Access Network with COS Business Engine

Two businessmen seal a deal with a firm handshake, expressing mutual trust and agreement.

Bob Hunter – Superintendent of Telecom Kitsap PUD and Bjorn Wannman – COS Systems

Washington Utility Expands Cooperation with COS Systems From Aggregating Demand for Fiber to Also Managing Their Network And Subscribers Using a leading BSS/OSS COS Business Engine.

KITSAP COUNTY, Washington – KPUD (Kitsap Public Utility District) has been using COS Systems’ demand aggregation software COS Service Zones to survey the county, create community engagement, and understand the desire for the deployment of a utility-owned fiber optic network connecting the residents with gigabit speeds.

“We know there is a need for better broadband in our community, and after all positive responses we’ve received in COS Service Zones, we are confident that investing in high-speed broadband network expansion is necessary for our community, “ said Bob Hunter, General Manager at KPUD.

KPUD is one of 28 Public Utility Districts in Washington that have jointly built a fiber ring reaching almost every corner of the State. KPUD has continued to expand its fiber backbone within the county.

“With our extensive fiber backbone we are flexible in where we can deploy to residents, however, we need to understand where there is need and demand. Our approach using COS Service Zones splits the county up into small buildable neighborhood zones where we will set a target number of people to sign up in each neighborhood. If there are no technical difficulties, as zones reach the target we will extend our network in the order that is most cost effective and which will bring fiber first to those who want or need it most. At the same time this approach ensures that we deploy where we have a reasonable business case. We plan to spend our money wisely, “ said Hunter.

When moving into the residential market, KPUD will do it with an Open Access model, which means they will provide the infrastructure while the services will be delivered by independent service providers, driving competition for the good of the residents.

“If you’re not happy with your current service, just go to the web portal and pick a new provider, “comments Paul Avis, Superintendent of Telecom at KPUD.

In broadband, Open Access is almost synonymous with Sweden, where fiber networks have been deployed on the big scale since the 90s and where this model is dominating the market.

“Since we’re doing Open Access we found it natural to choose a partner who has been doing this on the most established market in the world for 10 years, “ Said Avis.

“The complexity in network operations increases dramatically when you open it up for multiple providers, but with the right system you can actually increase your efficiency. It’s all about ensuring a high data quality with built in validations and keeping track of all the moving parts, which our system COS Business Engine does extremely well, “ said Bjorn Wannman, International Business Developer at COS Systems.

The system is planned to be launched to the public in September when residents in connected areas will be able to go to the website and shop for their Internet services as easily as buying apps on the Appstore.

“We have a big number of COS Service Zones customers in the US, but for us it’s a very important milestone when we now bring our network management solution to the market. We hope and believe our long experience in Open Access and our system COS Business Engine will play a significant role in their success as KPUD now moves into the FTTH (Fiber-To-The-Home) arena,” said Isak Finér, Chief Marketing Officer at COS Systems.

About COS Business Engine

COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution supporting single-provider and open-access networks. Subscribers buy their Internet services from an online marketplace, which increases take rates, ARPU, and customer satisfaction, as the network owner can offer 24/7 availability while reaching maximum operations efficiency, thanks to the extensive use of self-service solutions.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading software provider that plans deploys and manages modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue, and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems at www.cossystems.com.

About Kitsap PUD

Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD ) is a municipal corporation in Washington State with incorporated boundaries parallel to Kitsap County. Our mission is building and strengthening communities through utility services. We are proud to be connecting residents of Kitsap County to each other, to local government, and to the world.

For additional information, contact:

Isak Finér
Chief Revenue Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Paul Avis
Superintendent of Telecom
Kitsap PUD
(360) 626-7731
paul@kpud.org
www.kpud.org

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COS Service Zones shows public utility where to invest

KPUD logo - Kitsap Public Utility District.

 

Kitsap Public Utility District uses demand aggregation tool to validate demand before investing public funds in fiber infrastructure.

KITSAP COUNTY, Washington – Little more than a year ago, residents started informally inquiring with the Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) to explore whether the PUD could provide internet infrastructure, rather than relying on traditional telecom and cable providers who were not meeting the needs of this rural, mountainous region within commuting distance of Seattle.

“Kitsap PUD has been providing services to Anchor Institutions in Kitsap County for 15 years.  Recently residents have been inquiring on how they obtain access to this fiber to have quality and reliable high-speed broadband services at their homes,” recalled KPUD Superintendent of Telecom Paul Avis. “It has only been in the last year, with the FCC discussing open internet and Google Fiber, that we saw the extent of how unhappy residents were with their current services.” Case in point, “I live less than a half-mile from town,” Avis said, “and get less than 1 Mbps of service over a copper DSL line. Many residents can’t get any service at all.”

“As a government agency, we can’t rely on anecdotal data since we need to be responsible with public funds,” said Bob Hunter, General Manager at KPUD. “What’s most appealing with COS Service Zones is that it enables us to let the gathering and push of interest to come from the citizens. We want to be sure the residents are driving this.” COS Service Zones provides an effective framework for residents who are rallying for better service to have a greater role in gaining better Internet faster: “The system is very well designed and able to handle all the data and capture answers to the questions we have. Are people happy with current services? Where is the need? Do they want services from the PUD?” Hunter said. “The Champions aspect of Service Zones is going to be integral to our success: Not just in gathering information but in getting service to the residents.  The champions are able to explaining how it all works on a peer-to-peer basis, enabling PUD staffing to stay unchanged.”

“COS Service Zones enables the PUD to identify areas of need and want for open access telecommunications services and directs us to which neighborhoods to connect first, “ Avis said. “Because COS Systems’ technology enables self-service, once we’re deployed, we’ll be able to expand and continue to serve customers with minimal additional costs,” Avis said, describing the intent to continue working with the COS suite of products managing the day-to-day operations of the open-access network with COS Business Engine.

“If how COS Systems got involved is any indication,” notes COS’s Head of International Business Development Bjorn Wannman, “then it’s reasonable to expect that there is significant demand in Kitsap County. My first contact with this inspiring project was actually with a Kitsap resident, as a grassroots effort, who suggested we at COS connect with KPUD. This underscores the power of the community and its ability to engage; this is the very foundation of COS Service Zones.”

COS Chief Marketing Officer Isak Finér adds, “This is one of the most promising big-scale open-access projects in the US right now. They already have the backbone fiber infrastructure in the ground, and they know there is a great demand among the residents. With the right tool now in their hands to aggregate this demand and guide them to where they can confidently deploy to already committed customers, I’m positive this project will get a flying start and be a long-term success bringing new jobs and a higher quality of life to Kitsap County residents.”

About COS Service Zones

“Build it, and they will come?” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber – with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other – then chasing customers.

  1. Draw multiple competing zones across your city or town.
  2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
  3. Deploy, once target take rate is reached, to accelerate profitability.

Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, and no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers.  Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

About Kitsap PUD

Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) is a municipal corporation in Washington State with incorporated boundaries parallel to Kitsap County. Our mission is building and strengthening communities through utility services.  We are proud to be connecting residents of Kitsap County to each other, to local government, and to the world.

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Paul Avis
Superintendent of Telecom
Kitsap PUD
(360) 626-7731
Paul@KPUD.org
KPUD.org

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