A closer look at U.S. rural fiber challenges - and how global best practices can help
As the U.S. continues to expand its fiber-optic network, particularly in rural areas, there are several challenges that mirror those faced in Europe. The key focus areas for successful deployment are optimized planning, software and documentation, and obtaining permits—all of which are vital to ensuring cost-effective and efficient fiber deployments.
1. Optimized Planning Based on Accurate, Up-to-Date Information
A successful fiber rollout starts with careful and up-to-date planning. In the U.S., rural fiber deployments are often hindered by geographic challenges such as difficult terrain and sparse populations, leading to higher costs per user. To overcome this, optimized planning needs to incorporate detailed mapping, data-driven analyses, and real-time information. In Europe, countries like the UK and Germany utilize advanced planning software and tools to visualize network designs and accurately estimate costs. This enables operators to minimize risks and avoid costly missteps during construction. In the U.S., adopting similar software solutions would help streamline the planning process, ensuring a more efficient rollout and better ROI, especially in rural areas.
Standardizing deployment processes and harmonizing technology stacks can enhance efficiency and reduce costs, according to research from McKinsey & Company.* Establishing a centralized coordination hub, or "nerve center," to oversee project pipelines ensures streamlined operations across functions such as network deployment, operations, IT, and procurement. This approach has been shown to accelerate deployment by up to 20% and lower costs by 15-25% within 8 to 16 months.
2. Software and Documentation for Streamlined Management
Documentation is key to the success of fiber rollouts, and software tools play a crucial role in this process. In the EU, companies use software like TKI NET to plan, document, and manage the entire fiber network lifecycle—from feasibility studies to construction and ongoing maintenance. These tools automate many processes, reducing human error and saving time, which is essential when deploying fiber in complex rural environments.
For U.S. operators, adopting similar tools would be a game-changer. Ensuring that every step of the network rollout is documented in a single, centralized system allows for smooth coordination across multiple stakeholders. This also makes future upgrades and maintenance easier, providing long-term cost savings.
3. The Importance of Getting Permits
In both the U.S. and Europe, one of the biggest challenges is navigating the permitting process. Securing access to utility poles, rights-of-way, and other necessary infrastructure can be a slow and bureaucratic process. In the U.S., delays in securing these permits can extend deployment timelines and increase costs. To address this, European countries have implemented streamlined permitting procedures, such as pre-approved wayleaves, and have harmonized regulations at the EU level to reduce administrative burdens.
Leveraging documentation software that streamlines permitting procedures, as successfully implemented in the UK and Europe, can significantly enhance the efficiency of fiber rollouts in the U.S. By providing end-to-end solutions for network planning, construction management, asset tracking, and maintenance, integrated software solution can enable broadband providers to accelerate project timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
The U.S. can benefit from these approaches by adopting more standardized and efficient permitting systems. A collaborative approach with local authorities, similar to what is seen in the UK’s Project Gigabit, could help reduce permit delays and enable faster deployment. Additionally, U.S. providers should explore "dig-once" policies, which encourage shared infrastructure use to avoid duplicating efforts and costs.
Conclusion
Fiber rollouts in rural areas across the U.S. share many challenges with those in Europe, but adopting best practices such as optimized planning, the use of advanced software, and streamlined permitting could significantly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of U.S. deployments. By adopting proven techniques from the European and UK experience, the U.S. can accelerate the deployment of high-speed internet to underserved rural communities.
* https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/the-keys-to-deploying-fiber-networks-faster-and-cheaper