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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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What is Dark Fiber Middle Mile?

Dark Fiber Middle Mile refers to the segment of fiber optic infrastructure that extends from the main backbone network into local neighborhoods and communities but stops short of the final connection to individual homes or businesses. This unused, unlit fiber provides a crucial link between major data highways (the backbone) and the final distribution networks (the last mile), allowing private service providers to lease this infrastructure and extend their services.

Dark Fiber in Network Infrastructure

In network terminology, there are three main segments:

  1. Backbone: Comparable to highways, these are major routes connecting cities and regions.
  2. Middle Mile: These routes distribute data within a specific area, like city streets.
  3. Last Mile (or Drop): These driveways connect individual homes to the network.

Dark Fiber Middle Mile Open Access Model

In the Dark Fiber Middle Mile Open Access model, a community builds the fiber infrastructure in the streets (middle mile). It allows private providers to bring the necessary electronics to light up services and build the drops to individual homes and businesses. This model facilitates widespread access to high-speed internet and other services by leveraging existing dark fiber infrastructure.

Pros of Dark Fiber Middle Mile Open Access
  • Encourages Private Investment: With most of the infrastructure investment already made, private providers are more likely to invest in the community.
  • Inclusive Connectivity: By having fiber available in all streets, even economically weaker areas can potentially be connected.
  • Simplified Operations: No need for the community to have knowledge in network operations or invest in electronic equipment.
Cons of Dark Fiber Middle Mile Open Access
  • Selective Provider Investment: Providers may focus on areas with stronger economies to maximize profits, potentially neglecting less profitable areas.
  • Dependency on Providers: The community needs to reach agreements with private providers for using their infrastructure to deliver community services, which may not reach all residents.
  • Limited Customer Choice: High initial investment by the first provider in last-mile infrastructure can deter new entrants, potentially leading to monopolistic issues such as high prices and low service quality.

The Road System Analogy

To better understand the Dark Fiber Middle Mile model, consider the following analogy:

  • The backbone is like the highways connecting cities, ensuring regional connectivity.
  • The middle mile can be compared to the smaller streets in a city, where traffic is distributed.
  • The last mile is like the driveways at homes, connecting individual residences to the larger network.

Without the backbone, a city cannot effectively connect to the global network; without the middle mile, houses have nothing to connect to. In the Dark Fiber model, the community invests in the backbone and middle mile, enabling private providers to build out the last mile as needed.

How COS Business Engine Supports Dark Fiber Middle Mile

Our COS Business Engine software enables communities to efficiently manage their dark fiber infrastructure. By providing a BSS/OSS platform for leasing and managing access to dark fiber, it ensures that private providers can easily utilize this infrastructure to deliver high-quality services to their end-users.

Learn More About Dark Fiber Middle Mile

To explore the concept of dark fiber and its benefits for your community, check out our resources:

Learn more and book your demo today!

 

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