Four steps to accelerate broadband deployments with pole data and analysis

Improve the pole attachment process and connect customers faster

The explosion of broadband deployments, spurred on by commercial opportunities and regulatory incentives, has made time to market more critical than ever for communications companies.

Existing overhead infrastructure is an attractive option for constructing networks, but it also presents a mix of potential challenges and delays. Providers must assess market viability and make go/no-go decisions using the data and tools at hand, without completing the entire engineering process. Deployments require complex and dynamic coordination across multiple stakeholders, including pole owners, communications providers, engineering firms, and contractors. And joint-use permitting and attachment requests can create constraints and bottlenecks.

For deployment projects to be successful, efficiency and accuracy are important in every stage of the build-out process – from market assessment and route selection, to field data collection, to pole loading analysis and permitting.

Here are four ways to help you connect new customers faster:

1) PLAN.

Evaluate potential new markets and prospective routes for broadband deployment using images and data sourced from street level, drones, satellites, and other methods.

By applying machine learning, large data sets and existing imagery can translate into action. IKE Insight enables you to assess market viability with minimal pre-survey work and make go/no-go decisions without completing the entire engineering process. Using imagery from street level and other sources, you can quickly identify joint-use assets, categorize poles, assess the level of make-ready work required, and identify an optimal route.

2) MEASURE.

Acquire engineering-grade pole data and upload it to a central home where it can be accessed by all authorized partners for seamless review and collaboration.

Speed up fielding by using technology that eliminates manual data entry and instantly upload data to a centralized location. The IKE Device empowers a solo fielder to collect pole data safely, accurately, and efficiently with minimal training using intuitive mobile tools and guided workflows. The data can then be uploaded to IKE Office Pro, which measures heights of attachment on the pole, span distances, and wire midspan heights as well as identifies wire and equipment types, all from the back office.

3) SHARE.

Automate data exports and speed up permitting approvals through integration with downstream applications and tools.

Use reporting, APIs, and advanced export features to speed up engineering and permitting workflows. IKE Office Pro integrates with GIS systems, design software, pole loading software, and asset management software. It can also generate custom permit application reports, such as joint-use applications.

4) COMPLY.

Understand the NESC code and worker safety rules to improve decision making and collaboration with pole owners.

When you equip yourself with the right training and tools to comply with critical standards, you reduce the potential for rework and schedule delays. IKE offers on-demand and instructor-led training programs on both NESC and OSHA rules. Having a solid understanding of the requirements translates into less make-ready and faster, safer time to market.

IKE PoleForeman conducts defendable pole loading analysis that ensures full compliance with the NESC, which is why it is used by 7 of the 10 largest IOU’s in North America. Having a reliable PLA tool eliminates time and questions when evaluating poles for make-ready.

Quality asset data and analysis is the key ingredient for successful broadband buildouts. Schedule a demo to see how IKE can help you connect new customers faster.

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