With the federal government injecting $65 billion into further developing the nation’s broadband networks, more utilities are exploring their fiber options than ever before. Digital infrastructure is a large part of the recently passed spending package with the goal to expand broadband access to rural areas, low-income families and tribal communities.
A fiber optic infrastructure offers electric utilities an improved internal communication network along with a more cost-efficient operation. There are many features of a fiber network that also benefit utility customers, such as remote meter reading and automatic billing. In a direct comparison with copper wires, fiber wins in terms of better bandwidth, faster speeds, improved coverage, and more durability to the environment.
Some utilities are crunching the numbers on a potential fiber build out while others are expanding an already developed fiber network, but no matter what your questions and needs, Partner can help you view, design, and perform inspections on fiber with the same tools you trust to manage your electric grid.
Clients are already using the Partner Map Viewer on laptops and iOS devices with fiber-only mapsets to visualize their fiber networks and help personnel identify assets and navigate to new locations. Just like with electric assets, distinct icons and coloration help users see their system, and all background data associated with fiber assets is available at a click. We provide the same inspection tools – Distribution Inspection, Vegetation Management, and Damage Assessment – which means you can manage routine and emergency inspections on fiber without the need for two different systems.
And for utilities looking for tools to build additions to existing fiber systems, or for systems not yet constructed – Partner offers Fiber Design, which works just like Field Design to help seamlessly design system additions, perform map corrections or change outs with integrations into accounting and your GIS. We even have additional modules to include diagrams of fiber-related assets to ensure accuracy. We can also account for unique, fiber-related workflows and build custom cost reports. If you’re exploring the possibilities of fiber, you can count on the Partner solutions you already trust. There’s no new system to learn – just the increased ability to design, service and maintain your new network. Even if you haven’t begun building your fiber model, we can connect you with Partner clients already utilizing our Fiber solutions and offer several different configuration options to help your utility be successful.