3-GIS | Blog

Insights for better networks

Get practical perspectives from the 3-GIS team on fiber network management, telecom GIS, utility operations, product innovation, and industry trends. Browse the latest articles, search by topic, or filter by the content most relevant to the networks you plan, build, manage, and maintain.

Blog | 3-GIS + SSP have joined SAM

2 min read

SAM acquires SSP Innovations and 3-GIS to support continued innovation and expand AI-enabled digital solutions

AUSTIN, Texas, November 5, 2026 – SAM, a leading independent provider of mission-critical geospatial, inspection, data and digital solutions services to utility and critical infrastructure customers across North America, today announced its...

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Blog | ArcGIS and the Telecom Domain Network: How Esri & 3-GIS Are Building the Foundation for the Connected Telecom Enterprise

5 min read

ArcGIS and the Telecom Domain Network: How Esri & 3-GIS Are Building the Foundation for the Connected Telecom Enterprise

By combining the Telecom Domain Network with operational network management solutions, Esri and 3-GIS can help telecom and utility operators create a...

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3-GIS product release: 3-GIS | Web Lio 2

2 min read

What's new in the 3-GIS | Web Lio 2 release

The team has been hard at work adding new functionality, squashing bugs, and focusing on continued ease of use. Building on the foundation...

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3-GIS product release - Utilities 5.6

2 min read

What’s new in the 3-GIS Utilities 5.6 release

Utility operations depend on connected systems, reliable data, and tools that keep pace with the work happening across the organization. With the...

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Team 3-GIS at the 2026 Esri User Conference

3 min read

Inside our week at the 2026 Esri UC

The 2026 Esri User Conference gave us five packed days of GIS-centered sessions, demos, and conversations across telecom and utilities.

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Press release: Centillion and 3-GIS partnership

2 min read

Centillion Solutions, an Osmose Company, and 3-GIS partner to unlock more advanced network management for telecom operators

Centillion Solutions, an Osmose company and leading provider of telecommunications engineering and network data solutions, today announced a...

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Blog | 3-GIS May 2026 Telecom Industry News

4 min read

Telecom industry pulse: May 2026 recap

Network news roundup May's fiber and broadband news reflected a global industry moving fast. Many publicly funded programs produced their first real...

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Blog | Our top takeaways from Fiber Connect 2026

2 min read

What network operators are weighing after Fiber Connect 2026

Fiber Connect 2026 confirmed what teams across the industry are already feeling: the U.S. fiber build is still very much in motion. Across the show...

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Blog: First deep dive into Esri’s Telecom Domain Network – Rotterdam, April 8–10

2 min read

First deep dive into Esri’s Telecom Domain Network – Rotterdam, April 8–10

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend Esri's Telecom Domain Network (TDN) Knowledge Transfer session in Rotterdam. While others from the 3-GIS...

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Blog: What’s new in the Lio 1 release of 3-GIS | Web

1 min read

What’s new in the Lio 1 release of 3-GIS | Web

The latest telecom release of 3-GIS | Web, Lio 1, is here, bringing updates across the interface, equipment modeling, and day-to-day workflows. From...

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Blog | Our key takeaways from Esri IMGIS International 2026

2 min read

Our key takeaways from Esri IMGIS International 2026

Last week, we attended the 2026 Esri International IMGIS conference in Frankfurt and joined GIS leaders, telecom operators, and industry partners,...

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Employee spotlight: Seth Straayer

2 min read

Employee spotlight: Seth Straayer

At 3-GIS, our work is powered by more than technology. It is powered by our people. From problem-solving behind the scenes to supporting customers...

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Blog | What migrating to the Telecom Domain Network actually involves

2 min read

What migrating to the Telecom Domain Network actually involves

The Telecom Domain Network (TDN) introduces a new way to model telecom infrastructure within the ArcGIS Utility Network. As organizations begin...

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Blog: Trace capabilities for the Telecom Domain Network in 3-GIS | Web

2 min read

Trace capabilities for the Telecom Domain Network in 3-GIS | Web

The Telecom Domain Network (TDN) provides a framework for modeling telecom infrastructure within the ArcGIS Utility Network. As organizations begin...

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3-GIS March telecom news recap

3 min read

Telecom industry pulse: March 2026 recap

Network news roundup March’s telecom news cycle centered on rural fiber expansion, tribal connectivity, consolidation among major providers, and...

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Blog | Utilities 5.5 product release

2 min read

What’s new in the Utilities 5.5 release

The Utilities 5.5 release brings a set of updates across both 3-GIS | MIMS and 3-GIS | Productivity, spanning field workflows and GIS-based network...

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Blog | Unilateral recap and recall construction

2 min read

Unilateral recap and recall construction

Editor’s note: Originally published by SSP Innovations under SSP SPANS. Updated by the 3-GIS Team with the current product name, 3-GIS | SPANS, and...

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Blog | How does real-time vs. packet-based incremental sync work in MIMS?

2 min read

How does real-time vs. packet-based incremental sync work in MIMS?

Editor’s note: Originally published by SSP Innovations under SSP MIMS. Updated by the 3-GIS Team with the current product name, 3-GIS | MIMS, and...

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Blog | Reflections on MIMS data synchronization

2 min read

Reflections on MIMS data synchronization

Editor’s note: Originally published by SSP Innovations under SSP MIMS. Updated by the 3-GIS Team with the current product name, 3-GIS | MIMS, and...

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Blog | Telecom industry pulse: February 2026 recap

3 min read

Telecom industry pulse: February 2026 recap

Network news roundup Fiber expansion, Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program approvals, AI-driven infrastructure investment, and...

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Blog | Beyond the build: Why operational truth matters more than ever

4 min read

Beyond the build: Why operational truth matters more than ever

At some point in almost every transformation conversation, someone will say, “We just need a digital twin”. It sounds like the right answer. It...

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Blog | Putting broadband customer experience in the fast lane

4 min read

Putting broadband customer experience in the fast lane

Today’s broadband customers expect more than just a fast, reliable connection. They expect flawless service experiences. For operators, that makes...

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Blog | January telecom industry pulse

3 min read

Telecom industry pulse: January 2026 recap

Network news roundup January reinforced a trend the industry has been circling for months. Fiber investment is still moving forward, but it is being...

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Blog | How utilities are getting more out of the Esri Utility Network

2 min read

How utilities are getting more out of the Esri Utility Network

Editor’s note: Originally published by SSP Innovations under SSP Productivity. Updated by the 3-GIS Team with the current product name, 3-GIS |...

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Blog | Bridging the telecom skills gap

3 min read

How the telecom skills gap is reshaping operations

Telecom networks are expanding faster than ever. Today, fiber is available to more than half of U.S. households, a share that continues to grow as...

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December Telecom News Recap

3 min read

Telecom industry pulse: December 2025 recap

Network news roundup December closed the year with a familiar mix of momentum and friction. Operators kept pushing fiber deeper into markets; states...

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Blog | Lighting the way for 5G joint use

1 min read

Lighting the way for 5G joint use

Editor’s note: Originally published by SSP Innovations under SSP SPANS. Updated by the 3-GIS Team with the current product name, 3-GIS | SPANS, and...

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Blog | How utilities are making their field tools easier to use and manage

3 min read

How utilities are making their field tools easier to use and manage

Editor’s note: Originally published by SSP Innovations under SSP MIMS. Updated by the 3-GIS Team with the current product name, 3-GIS | MIMS, and...

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Telecom industry pulse: November 2025 recap

2 min read

Telecom industry pulse: November 2025 recap

Network news roundup From workforce pressures to new federal rules, inland long-haul routes, and aggressive fiber builds tied to AI, November’s...

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Blog | Our top takeaways from Esri IMGIS 2025

3 min read

Our top takeaways from Esri IMGIS 2025

The Esri Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference (IMGIS) brought together telecom, utility, and infrastructure professionals looking to build...

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Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) Summit 2025

2 min read

INCA Summit 2025: Building value, not just fibre

After years of rapid expansion and ambitious build targets, the UK’s AltNet landscape is shifting from a race to connect homes to a battle to deliver...

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Blog: What is Esri’s Telecom Domain Network (TDN)?

3 min read

What is Esri’s Telecom Domain Network (TDN)?

When Esri introduced the Telecom Domain Network (TDN), it marked an important step forward for modeling communication networks within the ArcGIS...

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Blog | Telecom industry pulse: October 2025 recap

2 min read

Telecom industry pulse: October 2025 recap

Network news roundup From new research highlighting fiber’s role in rural healthcare to shifting BEAD (the US Broadband Equity, Access, and...

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Blog | Connecting Canada: How local fiber networks are shaping national progress

2 min read

Connecting Canada: How local fiber networks are shaping national progress

Across Canada, fiber projects are reshaping how people connect, learn, and work. But behind every new strand of cable lies a complex story of...

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Press release - 3-GIS strengthens market leadership

1 min read

3-GIS strengthens market leadership with enhanced focus on delivering advanced geospatial solutions for utilities

HUNTSVILLE, AL — 3-GIS today confirmed its expanded market position, now serving both telecom and utility providers with intelligent, cloud-based...

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Blog | From ambition to action: Key takeaways from Connected Britain 2025

3 min read

From ambition to action: Key takeaways from Connected Britain 2025

Over two full days last month, ExCeL London became the buzzing hub for Connected Britain 2025, where industry insiders, innovators, and policy voices...

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Press release: TAPCO partners with 3-GIS

2 min read

TAPCO partners with software company 3-GIS to offer fiber network management

3-GIS's fiber optic network design and management software will provide transportation agencies with access to enhanced infrastructure management...

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Product release: Utilities 5.4

1 min read

Powerful new capabilities now available in 3-GIS | MIMS and Productivity release 5.4

Release 5.4 of 3-GIS | MIMS and 3-GIS | Productivity introduces enhancements in mobile GIS functionality, enterprise network information management...

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Telecom industry pulse: September 2025 recap

2 min read

Telecom industry pulse: September 2025 recap

Network news roundup From Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) milestones in the United States to permitting reform at the Federal...

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Blog | Managing joint use assets in the cloud

2 min read

Managing joint use assets in the cloud

Editor’s note: Originally published in July 2023 by SSP Innovations under SSP SPANS. Updated in 2025 by the 3-GIS Team with the current product name,...

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Telecom industry pulse: August 2025 recap

2 min read

Telecom industry pulse: August 2025 recap

Network news roundup August underscored the push-and-pull between rapid digital infrastructure growth and the constraints of existing systems. M&A...

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Duct space visualization in 3-GIS | Web

2 min read

Making the most of duct space: Challenges and opportunities

When people talk about fiber networks, the spotlight usually goes to the cable itself. But ducts, the conduit that carries it all, may be the most...

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Blog | Our top takeaways from ISE EXPO 2025

3 min read

Our top takeaways from ISE EXPO 2025

The 3-GIS team just wrapped a week in New Orleans for the 2025 ISE EXPO. What really stood out? A push for faster operations, smarter automation, and...

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Blog | Telecom industry pulse: July 2025 recap

3 min read

Telecom industry pulse: July 2025 recap

Network news roundup July brought a mix of expansion, consolidation, and rising urgency around telecom infrastructure. From surging enterprise demand...

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Press release: SSP Innovations and 3-GIS set stage for strategic realignment

1 min read

SSP Innovations and 3-GIS set stage for strategic realignment

SSP Innovations today announced a strategic realignment with 3-GIS to strengthen operational focus, with SSP concentrating on utility services and...

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Blog | Employee Spotlight: Ed Bagnall, EMEA Managing Director

2 min read

Employee spotlight: Ed Bagnall

People are at the heart of everything we do. Each team member brings their own unique experience, perspective, and passion to the table. That’s why...

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Blog | Our top takeaways from Esri UC 2025

4 min read

Our top takeaways from the 2025 Esri User Conference

The 3-GIS team just spent the week with over 15,000 geospatial professionals from 130-plus countries at the 2025 Esri User Conference.1 The show...

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Blog | Seeing beneath our feet: Unlocking the power of NUAR and GIS

2 min read

Seeing beneath our feet: Unlocking the power of NUAR and GIS

The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) promises a potentially significant step forward for asset owners, utility providers, and network...

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Blog | How NTIA’s new permitting tool could help BEAD awardees

3 min read

How NTIA’s new permitting tool could help BEAD awardees

When the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released its BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice in June 2025, most attention...

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Blog | Three reasons to rethink fiber outage response

3 min read

Three reasons to rethink fiber outage response

The stakes are high for fiber service providers: contracts come with strict service-level agreements (SLAs), customer expectations around reliability...

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Blog | Telecom industry pulse: June 2025 recap

2 min read

Telecom industry pulse: June 2025 recap

Network news roundup June was anything but quiet for telecom. Policy shakeups from NTIA are reshaping how $42.5 billion in BEAD funding can be used,...

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Blog | Faster fibre rollouts start with smarter infrastructure sharing

3 min read

Faster fibre rollouts start with smarter infrastructure sharing

In a world increasingly defined by speed, connectivity, and digital equity, building faster broadband infrastructure is a national and social...

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Blog | Why your BEAD build needs a GIS fiber asset management system

3 min read

Why your BEAD build needs a GIS fiber asset management system

Back in 2021, Congress allocated $42.45 billion to the NTIA to create the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program—or BEAD. This was done to...

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Blog | What I learned (and loved) at Fiber Connect 2025

4 min read

What I learned (and loved) at Fiber Connect 2025

When you think of an industry conference, it’s easy to picture a sea of vendor booths and product pitches. And while vendors do play a critical role...

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3 min read

Clarity that connects: The power of real-time telecom network views

Whether rolling out networks to dense urban MDUs (multi-dwelling units) or extending the last mile to rural households, telcos are navigating a...

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Telecom industry pulse: May 2025 recap

3 min read

Telecom industry pulse: May 2025 recap

Network news roundup The past month has seen significant developments across the telecom space. Major broadband expansions into rural and...

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Press release | VIAVI and 3-GIS partnership enables faster, more accurate fiber fault location at Windstream Wholesale

3 min read

VIAVI and 3-GIS partnership enables faster, more accurate fiber fault location at Windstream Wholesale

Chandler, Ariz., May 29, 2025 – Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAVI) (NASDAQ: VIAV) and 3-GIS, a market-leading fiber network design and management software...

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Blog | Beyond the basics: How to use fiber management systems in 2025

3 min read

Beyond the basics: How to use fiber management systems in 2025

A few years back, the telecommunications industry experienced a major shift. Network operators moved away from disconnected processes and basic...

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Blog | Planned Connections: Redefining how teams handle change in a live fiber management system

2 min read

Planned Connections: Redefining how teams handle change in a live fiber management system

In fiber network operations, change is constant. Whether turning up a new customer, rerouting around a break, or expanding capacity, the underlying...

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Blog | Fibre at the core: Powering the smart cities of tomorrow

3 min read

Fibre at the core: Powering the smart cities of tomorrow

One global report estimated that the smart city platform market is set to be worth $292.1 billion by 2028, the primary factor driving this growth...

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Blog | How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 3: Creating accurate cost estimates

3 min read

How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 3: Creating accurate cost estimates

Cost miscalculations. The silent deal-killers of the fiber proposals process. Following our exploration of slow, manual processes and asset...

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Blog | How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 2: Maximizing success with network asset visibility

3 min read

How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 2: Maximizing success with network asset visibility

Valuable fiber assets often sit unused while providers build costly new infrastructure alongside them. Why? Because many providers simply can't see...

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Blog How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 1: The cost of manual proposal methods

3 min read

How GIS transforms fiber proposals - Part 1: The cost of manual proposal methods

Ever wonder why some fiber providers consistently win contracts while others struggle to close deals? In a recent webinar, we pulled back the curtain...

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Blog | What did FTTH Conference tell us about the future of fibre?

3 min read

What did FTTH Conference tell us about the future of fibre?

If this year’s FTTH Conference in Amsterdam made anything clear, it’s that the fibre industry is moving faster, growing smarter, and getting a whole...

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Along the Path newsletter

1 min read

Along the Path: How can we support network scalability?

Welcome to the 2025 Q2 edition of Along the Path. In this issue, we’re exploring scalability. Often overlooked during the buildout frenzy,...

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Blog | Digital transformation - What does it mean for network management?

3 min read

Digital transformation - What does it mean for telecom network management?

It feels like the European fixed line telecom market is in change. After a frantic 10 years of network rollout, the industry is finally taking a...

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Blog | From buildout to buy-in: What's driving full fibre take-up in the UK?

4 min read

From buildout to buy-in: What's driving full fibre take-up in the UK?

The UK’s full fibre broadband market is at a critical inflection point. With billions invested in network buildouts over the past few years, the...

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Blog | 2025 and beyond: What’s next for telecom?

3 min read

2025 and beyond: What’s next for telecom?

Fiber networks have transformed how we live, work, and connect. They power everything from streaming our favorite shows to enabling the smart cities...

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Connected America 2025 recap: Innovations and regulations shaping telecom's future

2 min read

Connected America 2025 recap: Innovations and regulations shaping telecom's future

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the third annual Connected America conference in Dallas. Over 2,200 industry professionals gathered to...

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Blog | The hidden costs of not using OSP design software

3 min read

The hidden costs of not using OSP design software

Some network operators still rely on manual processes or outdated tools for outside plant (OSP) design, assuming they can cut costs by avoiding...

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Blog | The case for a scalable physical network inventory

3 min read

The case for a scalable physical network inventory

With the surge in fibre network rollouts, the demands on network management solutions are greater than ever. Yet, many telcos are still navigating...

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Blog | Rural vs urban fiber network planning: The challenges and opportunities

3 min read

Rural vs urban fiber network planning: The challenges and opportunities

The approach to planning and deploying fiber networks can vary dramatically between rural and urban environments. While modern fiber design software...

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Blog | How fiber mapping software cuts costs – Part 2: Unlocking savings with 3-GIS

3 min read

How fiber mapping software cuts costs – Part 2: Unlocking savings with 3-GIS

In Part 1 of this series, we explored how fiber mapping software can optimize both CapEx and OpEx by improving accuracy, streamlining operations, and...

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Blog | How fiber mapping software cuts costs – Part 1: CapEx and OpEx considerations

3 min read

How fiber mapping software cuts costs – Part 1: CapEx and OpEx considerations

Fiber networks are complex, high-value investments, and every decision about their design, deployment, and maintenance impacts the bottom line. Some...

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Blog | Why AI's data center boom demands smarter fiber planning

2 min read

Why AI's data center boom demands smarter fiber planning

With the announcement of a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative and Microsoft's planned $80 billion investment in data center expansions, the...

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Blog | Making maps inclusive: Supporting colour vision deficiency

3 min read

Making maps inclusive: Supporting colour vision deficiency using GIS

GIS is essential for network planning, management, and optimisation. Telecom professionals rely on these tools to make sense of complex spatial data,...

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Blog | The digital divide in fiber management: Research reveals industry transformation

2 min read

The digital divide in fiber management: Research reveals industry transformation

28% of telecommunications organizations still lack a dedicated fiber asset management system.1 For these companies - and many others using outdated...

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Along the Path newsletter

1 min read

Along the Path: How can we produce insight-driven designs?

Welcome to the first edition of Along the Path for 2025! This quarter, we’re exploring how 3-GIS | Web helps you design smarter, more efficient fiber...

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Blog | Navigating the changing telecom landscape: Strategies for success

2 min read

Navigating the changing telecom landscape: Strategies for success

The telecom industry stands at the intersection of rapid innovation and shifting challenges. Economic uncertainties, increasing pricing pressures,...

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Blog: 5 tips for simplifying fiber project management

3 min read

5 tips for simplifying fiber project management

Fiber network projects demand precision, collaboration, and well-orchestrated workflows to succeed. While the challenges are significant, they’re not...

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Precision planning: The new foundation for fiber deployment success

2 min read

Precision planning: The new foundation for fiber deployment success

Imagine planning a city-wide fiber network rollout. Countless decisions about routes, equipment placement, and infrastructure requirements must be...

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Blog: What makes fibre networks so hard to manage? Solutions to ease the strain

2 min read

What makes fibre networks so hard to manage? Solutions to ease the strain

Managing a sprawling fibre network is a complex undertaking. From maintaining accurate asset records to planning for growth, telecom operators face...

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Vitruvi, a leading provider of innovative construction management software, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with 3-GIS.

2 min read

Xplore network expansion driven by Vitruvi’s strategic partnership with 3-GIS to revolutionize telecom network construction management and deployment

Denver, CO – December 05, 2024 – Vitruvi, a leading provider of innovative construction management software, is excited to announce its strategic...

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Blog | Reflections from the 2024 INCA Summit

3 min read

Storming ahead: Reflections from the 2024 INCA Summit

As Storm Bert lashed south Wales, disrupting travel and threatening attendance, the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) Summit 2024...

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Blog: What is a fiber network management system, and why does it matter for your network?

3 min read

What is a fiber network management system, and why does it matter for your network?

Whether you’ve been in the industry for decades or are navigating the challenges of today’s rapid growth, one truth remains constant: a clear view of...

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Blog | Transforming fiber network management: Lumos' path to million-home coverage

2 min read

Transforming fiber network management: Lumos' path to million-home coverage

In a recent Fiber Broadband Association webinar, David Smith, Chief Network Officer at Lumos, joined 3-GIS's Director of Product Management, Andrew...

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Blog: Network modeling: Ericsson Network Engineer vs. 3-GIS | Web

3 min read

Network modeling: Ericsson Network Engineer vs. 3-GIS | Web

In telecommunications, the modeling of network elements is essential for efficient network design and management. Two prominent tools used for this...

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Blog | Future-proofing fiber management: Insights from Oman Broadband’s migration to 3-GIS

2 min read

Future-proofing fiber management: Insights from Oman Broadband’s migration to 3-GIS

Fiber network operators are facing unprecedented demands for speed, reliability, and scalability. As competition intensifies and customer...

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Blog: How 3-GIS | Web makes fiber network connectivity modeling easier

2 min read

Making fiber network connectivity modeling easier

Connectivity modeling, or ensuring that fiber strands, splices, and equipment accurately mirror real-world configurations, is fundamental to fiber...

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Blog: Decoding customer needs with GIS

2 min read

Decoding customer needs with GIS

Data, data, data. We are all about data. It is the foundation of today's telco world, from where to deploy next to how to serve our customers best....

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Blog: Navigating the stages of fibre network rollout

3 min read

Navigating the stages of fibre network rollout

The rollout of a fiber network is a complex, multi-phase process that involves meticulous planning, design, surveying, and execution. Geographic...

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Along the Path newsletter

1 min read

Along the Path: How can we boost operational efficiency?

Welcome to the 2024 Q4 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we’re focusing on ways to boost efficiency from using your data to help supplement...

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Quote from Carsten Rasmussen, Head of IT Enablement at TDC NET

1 min read

Futureproofing Denmark's telecom infrastructure: Why TDC NET chose 3-GIS

Denmark's premier telecom operator TDC NET selected 3-GIS as its fibre management solution in what is a pivotal move in TDC NET's journey to evolve...

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Blog | Comparing work order processing

2 min read

Work order processing: Ericsson Network Engineer vs. 3-GIS | Web

As Ericsson Network Engineer (ENE) reaches its end of life, it's crucial for telecom companies to transition to a more advanced, future-proof...

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Why a major U.S. utility chose 3-GIS

1 min read

Why a major U.S. utility chose 3-GIS

One of the nation's largest utility companies, serving millions across multiple states, has selected 3-GIS to consolidate its fiber plant data into a...

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2025 Fiber Connect Day 2

2 min read

Fiber Connect 2024: Shaping the future of connectivity

As the dust settles on another successful Fiber Connect conference, we at 3-GIS find ourselves energized by the innovative spirit and collaborative...

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Blog | No more versioning?

3 min read

No more versioning?

For physical network inventory systems, especially for fiber networks, versioning is a crucial concept. Versioning allows network planners and...

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Blog | Elevating telecom network management with advanced GIS tools

2 min read

Elevating telecom network management with advanced GIS tools

The world of telecom is changing fast, and managing complex networks is getting harder. But there's good news: GIS (Geographic Information System) is...

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Along the Path newsletter

1 min read

Along the Path: How can we adopt AI and automation to solve data challenges?

Welcome to the 2024 Q3 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we’re diving into ways to implement AI and automation to streamline network data...

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Blog | Combatting the telecom skills challenge

2 min read

Combating the telecom skills challenge

The telecoms market is seeing rapid change, perhaps even faster than we first expected. Alongside this, the current economic climate has caused a...

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Blog | Leveraging AI and automation to streamline data collection and management

2 min read

Leveraging AI and automation to streamline data collection and management

Telecom network operators face several data challenges, including as-built backlogs, data silos, and legacy system limitations. Manual data entry and...

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Blog | Can BIM help us build better fibre networks?

2 min read

Can BIM help us build better fibre networks?

The development and deployment of fibre networks play a crucial role in shaping our digital landscape. As we navigate this era of rapid technological...

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The vital role of connectivity in modern agriculture

2 min read

The vital role of connectivity in modern agriculture

The importance of high-speed internet connectivity stretches across all facets of our lives, impacting sectors we may not think of, such as...

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Whiteboard session: How do Esri and 3-GIS work together?

2 min read

How do Esri and 3-GIS work together?

One question we get asked a lot of centres on how Esri and 3-GIS technologies combine to provide a comprehensive, GIS-based system of record. In this...

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An Esri dashboard viewed inside 3-GIS | Web

2 min read

What is enterprise GIS?

If there’s one thing that’s consistent across the telecom industry, it’s the need for reliable data. As telcos work through their planning and growth...

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The evolution of network visualization - 3-GIS | Diagramming

2 min read

The evolution of network visualization

I have always found maps to be interesting. Whether it was a nautical chart or fold out road map in the back seat of a car, I spent quite a bit of...

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The true cost of network downtime

3 min read

The true cost of network downtime

In recent blog posts, we explored fault resolution using 3-GIS tools (such as OTDR Trace and Single Point of Failure) and discussed common reasons...

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United Kingdom on a map

2 min read

What does the future hold for UK AltNets?

As a sponsor of the recent INCA roadshow event Design and Build: Innovation in Action on 9th May, 3-GIS had a front-row seat to the evolving...

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Three common reasons ISPs get support calls and what they’re doing about it

2 min read

Three common reasons ISPs get support calls and what they’re doing about it

It may come as no surprise that the surge in network demand has resulted in a corresponding increase in reported issues. This uptick in inquiries has...

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Accelerating 5G deployment: A fiber rollout success story

2 min read

Accelerating 5G deployment: A fiber rollout success story

The telecommunications industry is marked by fierce competition, especially as service providers worldwide strive to establish themselves as 5G front...

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The evolving role of GIS in telecom

2 min read

The evolving role of GIS in telecom

Today’s Geographic Information System (GIS) goes beyond mere mapping; it plays a crucial role in enhancing business operations overall. In telecom,...

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Moving from legacy to modern: The significance of data model alignment

2 min read

Moving from legacy to modern: The significance of data model alignment

If you are thinking of replacing your legacy GIS system with a modern one that supports web and mobile applications, you are on the right track. Over...

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Along the Path newsletter

1 min read

Along the Path: How can we adapt to future network needs?

Welcome to the 2024 Q2 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we’re diving into ways to ensure your network management strategy can adapt to...

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Collecting railroad crossing information for fiber planning

1 min read

Collecting railroad crossing information for fiber planning

Recently, I tuned into a webinar hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) all about permitting. One topic that caught my attention was the...

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Optimizing fiber asset management: Keys for successful network operations

2 min read

Optimizing fiber asset management: Keys for successful network operations

Telecommunications is witnessing a surge in broadband development, especially in rural areas, driven largely by substantial funding initiatives from...

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3-GIS employee spotlight: Alan Gould

3 min read

Employee spotlight: An interview with Alan Gould

We caught up with Alan Gould, Implementation Engineer, to find out more about his long, varied career and his thoughts on the impact of technology in...

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Consolidation: The hot topic sweeping the UK fibre market

3 min read

Consolidation: The hot topic sweeping the UK fibre market

Consolidation. The word on everyone’s lips. If you work in the fibre industry, and you happen to have the privilege of residing in the home of bad...

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Single Point of Failure tool in 3-GIS | Web

2 min read

Using 3-GIS | Web and Mobile to find a fault location

We all know it’s going to happen eventually. It does not matter who are you or how prepared you think are; your fiber is going to break. There are an...

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Revolutionizing network data collection: AI and the opportunity ahead

2 min read

Revolutionizing network data collection: AI and the opportunity ahead

The efficient and accurate collection of data is paramount in telecom but has historically been a challenge. Traditional methods often involve manual...

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Rethinking strategic reporting and data sharing throughout the enterprise

2 min read

Rethinking strategic reporting and data sharing throughout the enterprise

At its core, strategic reporting is the complex process of gathering and analyzing data pertaining to an organization's performance.1 The resulting...

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Employee spotlight: Thabet Mashlah

4 min read

Employee spotlight: An interview with Thabet Mashlah

We recently sat down with Thabet Mashlah, our Regional Sales Manager for the MENA region, to discuss his journey in telecom, invaluable experiences,...

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Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 3

2 min read

Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 3

In this final post of the series on migrating from legacy network asset management solutions, we look at a critical component of any successful...

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Along the Path newsletter

1 min read

Along the Path: How can we deploy GIS across the enterprise?

Welcome to the 2024 Q1 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we discuss the value of deploying geospatial information systems (GIS) across the...

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Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 2

2 min read

Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 2

In our previous post, we looked at the main drivers that make migrating from a legacy GIS solution necessary. In this post, we deal with the pivotal...

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Strategic reporting: Steering projects to success and keeping stakeholders in the loop

2 min read

Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 1

In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, telcos are continuously seeking ways to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and harness...

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Leveraging GIS for environmental sustainability: Reducing impacts and costs

2 min read

Leveraging GIS for environmental sustainability: Reducing impacts and costs

Businesses globally are striving to reduce their ecological footprint and optimize resources, and telecom network operators are no exception.1...

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Navigating the network lifecycle: Open for sale

2 min read

Navigating the network lifecycle: Open for sale

After planning, engineering, field verification, and construction, it was finally time to help our client open for service! Success required seamless...

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Navigating the network lifecycle: Construction

2 min read

Navigating the network lifecycle: Construction

Once we traversed the realms of planning, engineering, and field verification, we were ready to start construction.  This was our biggest challenge....

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Along the Path newsletter

1 min read

Along the Path: How can we more effectively migrate data?

Welcome to the 2023 Q3 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we discuss data migration, its necessity, and the impact it can have across an...

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Navigating the network lifecycle: Field verification

2 min read

Navigating the network lifecycle: Field verification

The network lifecycle is a complex and interconnected process, with each step building upon the previous one. We've explored the planning and...

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Navigating the network lifecycle: Engineering

2 min read

Navigating the network lifecycle: Engineering

Welcome to part three of our blog series detailing the highs and lows of the network lifecycle. In the first installment, I shared my experiences...

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Navigating the network lifecycle: Planning

3 min read

Navigating the network lifecycle: Planning

Welcome back to our blog series on the journey of building fiber networks from the ground up. In the first installment, I shared the whirlwind...

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Navigating the network lifecycle: An introduction

2 min read

Navigating the network lifecycle: An introduction

For those of you that have been in the telecom industry for some time, the following story will more than likely resonate with your own experience. I...

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Shift in GIS technology: Reimagining the transactional model

2 min read

Shift in GIS technology: Reimagining the transactional model

If you work for a telco and have needed to track your network assets in a centralized way, you may have used Ericsson Network Engineer (ENE) or...

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Along the Path newsletter

1 min read

Along the Path: How can we facilitate ease of use?

Welcome to the 2023 Q2 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we discuss why user-friendly interfaces, intuitive workflows, and simplified...

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Adapt. Overcome.

2 min read

Adapt. Overcome.

As I approach my ten-year anniversary at 3-GIS I have spent some time reflecting on the journey. Many of you may not be aware of this, but I did not...

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Here are some ways GIS data benefits the entire enterprise.

3 min read

How telcos use GIS-based network management systems

To be competitive in the telecommunications landscape today providers rely on workflow processes and systems that integrate information across the...

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1 min read

3-GIS Announces Partnership with UtilNet

Strategic partnership supports growing demand for an Esri-based GIS platform, replacing legacy Ericsson Network Engineer system within Middle East...

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3-GIS Newsletter | Along the Path

1 min read

Along the Path: Equipping our field crews for success

Welcome to the 2023 Q1 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we dive into field mobility and how directly connecting network data to field...

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Interactive storytelling through Esri's ArcGIS StoryMaps

3 min read

Interactive storytelling through Esri’s ArcGIS StoryMaps

Creating content that stands out online can be tough, especially as digital content continues to grow as the medium of choice. Choosing topics that...

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How should CSPs approach telecom network management modernization in the face of system obsolescence?

3 min read

Shifting OSP network management in the face of system obsolescence

I started my career supporting utilities and their GIS programs, specifically migrating their legacy CAD-based technologies to the latest in...

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1 min read

Along the Path: How can we boost our fiber deployment plans for 2023

Welcome to the Q4 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we focus on ways to boost our fiber deployment plans for 2023 as we wrap up 2022.

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Keyboard button - gain more from your fiber network data

2 min read

Three ways to use self-service configuration to gain more from your fiber network data

System setup…this tedious, daunting, but somewhat overlooked process is the lifeblood of any enterprise software solution. And, with the accelerating...

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3-GIS | Network Solutions and CDG MBS integration

1 min read

CDG introduces 3-GIS integration for MBS

Champaign, IL – Communications Data Group (CDG) is pleased to announce the recent integration between CDG’s MBS consumer and enterprise billing and...

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1 min read

Along the path: What you need to know about cloud security

Welcome to the 2022 Q3 edition of Along the Path. This edition focuses on cloud security, lift and shift best practices, and how desktop and cloud...

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FTTH Top 200 Broadband Communities Magazine

1 min read

3-GIS lands on the Broadband Communities Magazine FTTH Top 100 list

For the seventh year in a row, 3-GIS has been chosen for the Broadband Communities Magazine Fiber-to-the-Home Top 100 list. The magazine’s list...

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Along the path 2022 Q2 newsletter

1 min read

Along the path: Achieving better as-builts

Welcome to the 2022 Q2 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we review tips to increase velocity during fiber engineering and construction,...

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Stop the status quo: Rethink your fiber network management strategy

3 min read

Stop the status quo: Rethink your fiber network management strategy

Here is a conundrum: if fiber technology is ever-changing, why would you ever embrace the status quo for your long-term fiber network deployment and...

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Give me more RAM: Android’s changing hardware specifications impact on 3-GIS | Mobile

1 min read

Give me more RAM: Android’s changing hardware specifications impact on 3-GIS | Mobile

As most people know, technology, particularly hardware, continues to mature and advance. I think back to the first desktop computer my family had and...

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Auditing cloud security for improvement

5 min read

Cloud security-Part 5:Auditing cloud security for improvement

According to predictions in The 2020 Data Attack Surface Report1, by 2025 there will be around 100 zettabytes of data stored in the cloud globally....

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Response to online threats during times of elevated risk

4 min read

Cloud security-Part 4:Response to online threats during times of elevated risk

I'd like to focus on cyber security in times of heightened threats today. As we are in unprecedented times, we need to stay alert and be smarter...

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Along the path newsletter

1 min read

Along the path: All about APIs

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Along the Path. With fiber, it's all about speed. At the end of each quarter, we'll cover a new topic that helps...

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Is CAD the answer to telecom design?

4 min read

Is CAD the answer to telecom design?

Whether it be through new inventions, technological advancements, more efficient processes, or simply finding better and easier ways to do things,...

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Cloud security series - Part 3: Threat detection and initial response in the cloud

5 min read

Cloud security-Part 3:Threat detection & initial response in the cloud

Cloud environments change fundamental assumptions in how to perform threat detection and response. A growth of new infrastructure and deployment...

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Blog | Got broadband funding?

4 min read

Got broadband funding? Now what?

Have you received or considered applying for public funding to complete your broadband buildout? Governments across the globe are allocating more...

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The importance of identity access management

4 min read

Cloud security-Part 2: The importance of Identity Access Management

Whenever you manage users who require access to multiple types of data in order to do their job or purchase a product, you need a strong set of...

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Two industry visionaries join to tackle telecom’s biggest challenge

3 min read

Two industry visionaries join to tackle telecom’s biggest challenge

So, here is a question for you: why are we often so reluctant to change in business? Is it habit? Or maybe it’s the old adage "if it ain't broke,...

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Consider APIs as part of your fiber network management strategy

2 min read

Consider APIs as part of your fiber network management strategy

Data protection, increased revenue generation, and improved customer experience are just a few of the many advantages that Communications Service...

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Preparation and strategy for cloud security

2 min read

Cloud security-Part 1:Preparation and strategy for cloud security

$74.6 billion. That’s the estimated amount to be spent on cloud IT infrastructure in 2021, according to Statista1. The explosive growth of cloud...

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Achieve faster network deployment leveraging geospatial intelligent ecosystems

2 min read

Faster Network Deployment with Real-Time GIS Integration

The hard and soft costs of changing to real-time data management

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Emphasizing data integrity

3 min read

Three simple considerations to promote fiber network data integrity

It may come as little surprise that communications service providers (CSPs) have experienced increases in operational efficiency by transforming...

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playbook for tackling cloud security

3 min read

The playbook for tackling cloud security in 2021

It should go without saying that many, if not most, companies have had to make some changes in the last 18 months. In an era when most facets of life...

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complexity of fiber is a common challenge faced by communication service providers

2 min read

Tackling common challenges in the telecommunications industry

Because of the complexity of fiber, many of the common challenges faced by communication service providers (CSPs) today revolve around managing...

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The value of GIS in the telecom enterprise

2 min read

The value of GIS in the telecom enterprise

Telecommunications is one of the fastest-growing GIS markets in the world. So fast, in fact, it has a forecasted compound annual growth rate (CAGR)...

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Fiber installation

1 min read

Checkpoints to confirm constructibility

Engineering firms aim to put their best resources on their most complex design projects. That is, they assign their top notch engineers and best...

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plan - design - build - manage your fiber network

3 min read

SSP easily starts your change to better network management with 3-GIS

Schneider Electric’s Fiber Manager was first introduced as a product about twelve years ago. Since the original version, it has been enhanced to...

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API integration in daily operations

2 min read

APIs: ditching swivel chairs and embracing interoperability

APIs are continuing to shatter the past misconception that they are exclusively for the tech giants. Harvard Business Review1 emphasizes that APIs...

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RDOF Fiber network management

4 min read

5 reasons asset management system is needed for RDOF fiber deployment

While there are many challenges that arise during any fiber optic deployment, construction and reporting requirements and deploying fiber in rural...

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Bringing your physical plant into the digital age

2 min read

Matching your network management system with your fiber future

Bringing your physical plant into the digital age Industry experts agree data governance is necessary to move communication service providers into...

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Service Providers Adapting to Meet Today’s Needs

2 min read

Service providers are adapting to meet today’s information needs

Kyle Siniard, VP of Technology for 3-GIS, outlines an innovative business process framework for service providers and their engineering vendors that...

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3 min read

SSP Innovations announces 4th acquisition: 3-GIS

Skye Perry, SSP Innovations Dustin Sutton and Tom Counts, 3-GIS SSP Innovations, along with our financial partner, Warren Equity, has been active in...

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3gis_admin_configurability

3 min read

Unleashing the power of configuration

Streamlined, efficient business operations is a top goal for telecom organizations around the world. Effective network management systems fit your...

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3gis_speed_wins_faster_fiber_deployment

2 min read

Using automation to uplevel the accuracy & speed of network deployment

The increasing pace of developing new network technologies means that network providers, managers, and engineers need to document and manage new and...

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3-GIS at Ersi UC 2020

Esri UC 2020: What we (verb)ed

Last week many of our team members attended the virtual Esri User Conference. In an effort to spread the wealth of knowledge, and frankly, to see how...

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3- GIS permitting document approved

2 min read

Five lessons learned in the permitting process

We’re running the risk of stating the obvious here -- reliable internet access is essential. We’ve all had the opportunity to learn this first hand...

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network deployment at velocity

3 min read

Enabling network deployment at velocity: GIS more than network mapping

The year was 1994 and at the time I had visions of saving the planet. I was determined to enter into an environmental profession and my Alma Mater...

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Considerations for moving your fiber network management system to the cloud

3 min read

Lift & shift to go remote

Communications service providers are seeking ways to increase their competitive edge and accelerate their digital transformation. Their IT managers...

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achieve real business transformation

3 min read

Six pillars of a robust network management system: Part III

Network management systems and processes are broken, which is bad timing for an industry undergoing such tremendous transformation. Innovations that...

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2 min read

Six pillars of a robust network management system: Part II

Network management systems and processes are broken, which is bad timing for an industry undergoing such tremendous transformation. Innovations that...

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Six pillars of a robust, modern network management system

3 min read

Six pillars of a robust network management system: Part I

Network management systems and processes are broken, which is bad timing for an industry undergoing such tremendous transformation. Innovations that...

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2 min read

Much ado about copper

While fiber is considered the future, copper is still very much a part of the present and will continue to play a key role in providing connectivity....

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Avoid fiber deployment roadblocks

2 min read

Avoiding fiber deployment roadblocks in the utility market

Fiber networks are the future for utility companies and co-ops to bring new services to their market. Getting these networks deployed with accurate...

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0919-MLAI-for-Layer-Zero

2 min read

ML/AI for the digitized physical layer

Why digitize the physical layer? Deploying new infrastructure - from fiber cable laterals to new active equipment - is fundamental for 5G network...

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Time for Change

3 min read

2024 will be here soon. Is your company ready for change?

End of an era In 2018, Ericsson (ERIC) announced the end-of-life for its physical network inventory system, a widely known GIS for managing...

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data lock out

2 min read

Don't lock yourself out of your data

Proprietary data structures and closed vendor ecosystems of yesteryear are out-of-date. Today’s enterprise applications are increasingly defined on...

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3-GIS CEO Tom Counts

3-GIS CEO Tom Counts is on set

3-GIS CEO Tom Counts was interviewed for a video series called GIS Cafe at the 2019 Esri User Conference. During the segment Tom gave his thoughts on...

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190718 Tom Esri ff

Esri puts the spotlight on 3-GIS

As winner of Esri’s Expanding to the Cloud award 3-GIS was featured in an Esri Spotlight video. Watch to hear CEO Tom Count’s take on how fiber will...

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digital transformation

2 min read

End-to-end economics of digitizing the outside plant

In the context of digital transformation, data management of conduits, strands, poles, manholes, and other elements of the outside plant have not...

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190404 Man & Robot Hands

2 min read

Automated Networks ≠ Autonomous Networks

To thrive in today’s hyper-competitive market, engineering companies need to transform their own work processes to the speed and data requirements of...

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system-3699534_1920

2 min read

Equipping your organization to manage complex networks

Telecom companies use the data about their physical network for asset management such as network utilization, availability, and risk mitigation. The...

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Telecoms Webinar Banner (1)

2 min read

Management solutions for the life-of-the-network

The network is a multi-generational endeavor. It is ever changing from copper and coax to fiber and wireless. From planning and designing routes and...

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final math equation

2 min read

Densification and the math of 5G

Densification: noun (used with adjective “network”), densified, densifying 1. adding more cell sites to increase the amount of available capacity....

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Green Wifi access road sign concept in rural area-1-1

2 min read

Let technology power your CAF II project success

If your organization wins a CAF II block, it needs to come up with a plan to build and manage the new network in a way that will maximize its return....

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Man finger on glass network concept shutterstock_293676671

2 min read

Win the race to the pole with intelligent tools for designing, building and managing fiber networks

In the past, telecom network management software has solely aimed to address managing and maintaining telecom networks. Over the last three years,...

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Fast-Track-Banner-Page (2)

3 min read

Overcoming data conversion fears, uncertainties and doubts

We’ve all heard it before...change is hard. The thought of something we are accustomed to being revised or going away altogether is a difficult one...

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loading computer screen

2 min read

Restore outages faster, your reputation depends on it

Ever have to send the service interruption letter and have your PR team explain the situation to the news media? In November 2018, internet, cable tv...

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data conversion

1 min read

Preparing your network data to make migration easier

Implementing a new fiber network management system is a big undertaking for any organization. Change can be hard, but moving to a system that will...

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files

3 min read

The telecom data divide

A recent podcast on Telecoms.com explored the concept of “dirty data,” which might be a bit of a misnomer but in this particular case, the data...

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181017.Cable de-coring 2-824559-edited

2 min read

Bringing fiber to the city: cable de-coring

Are you ready for another new fiber deployment method? We’ve been focusing on technologies and methods being developed for fiber network...

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Bringing fiber to the city feature image

3 min read

Bringing fiber to the city: 200µm fiber and collapsible ribbon

This series is centered around technologies and methods being developed for network densification projects as communities across the world prepare...

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