Co-written by Joshua Collver, Director of OSP Operations, Irby Utilities
& Jon Fitz, Director of Advanced Business Services, Telecom Solutions North America, Prysmian
Abstract
Small service providers, including cooperatives, municipalities, tribal nations, and rural telcos, play a crucial role in deploying broadband infrastructure, especially in underserved rural areas. However, they often face challenges, such as limited resources and expertise in fiber optics. This whitepaper explores strategies for small service providers to overcome these challenges and execute large-scale fiber optic network deployments efficiently. Using First Electric Cooperative Corp. as a case study, we examine key strategies such as partnering for expertise, standardization of network elements and engineering guidelines, inventory management, and streamlining the design process. Implementing these strategies helps small service providers leverage funding programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to deliver high-quality broadband services to their communities.
Introduction
In the wake of the historic Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, Rural Broadband deployment stands at a critical juncture. Cooperatives, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and rural telcos possess essential local knowledge but often lack the resources and experience in fiber optics required for these daunting deployments. This whitepaper explores how small service providers can overcome these challenges to execute fiber optic network deployments at an unprecedented scale and pace.
Case Study: First Electric Cooperative
Background: First Electric, established in 1937 as the first electric cooperative in Arkansas, serves over 103,000 meters across 18 counties, with more than 10,000 miles of distribution lines, 46 substations, and 202,000 power poles.
Objective: First Electric planned to offer symmetrical gigabit-capable broadband availability to all 103,000+ member accounts within eight years.
Progress: First Electric formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Connect2First Internet LLC, to serve as the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for this project. Remarkably, they have completed over 80% of the project in just 39 months of construction, significantly ahead of schedule, while adding multiple expansion areas due to growth, including Arkansas’ first non-utility municipal partnership with the City of Cabot.
Strategies for Success
Partnering for Expertise
Engaging with the right partners is crucial for the success of a fiber optic deployment. It's not just about obtaining materials or design services; it's about partnering with those who have a deep understanding of the network and business needs, both immediately and in the future. This means having partners like Irby and Prysmian, who comprehend how each piece fits into the larger network rather than viewing components in isolation.
First Electric’s partnership with Irby Utilities was instrumental in the success enjoyed thus far. In addition to material procurement expertise, Irby offered network engineering services, project management, construction management, and, most recently, network operations center (NOC) services. Irby’s technical staff also provided critical engineering insights and a holistic view of the network. This comprehensive approach ensured that every component served the larger goal of building a robust and scalable fiber optic network.
This complete understanding also allowed Irby to optimize the overall efficiency of the deployment workflow. By understanding the role of each component, task, and desired result in the network, Irby was able to streamline processes, minimize complexity, and ultimately accelerate the deployment timeline.
Standardization of Network Elements
The team intentionally limited the range of network elements. For example, only three fiber counts were used throughout the network. These fiber cables were All-Dielectric, Self- Supporting (ADSS) designs, based on strict specification standards supplied primarily by Prysmian. This decision simplified inventory management by minimizing the required SKUs to be kept in stock. The outer diameters of these cables were also standardized. This reduced pole hardware SKUs and ensured that the correct hardware was readily available, thus eliminating a common bottleneck in deployments.
A similar approach was taken with other network elements, including splice closures, vaults, drop terminals, and drop cables. For example, Irby looked closely at equipment needs and conduit quantities and then standardized on a single-size Fiber Distribution Hub (FDH) and only three vault sizes.
Standardization of Engineering and Design Guidelines
A smaller range of network elements also simplified network design. Although this caused some inefficiencies at a micro level, the system overall was much more efficient. For example, decision-making during OSP engineering was much simpler. Work progressed quickly, with more resources available for critical, big-picture issues. Field surveys could prioritize thoughtful equipment location over staking every pole. This reduced surprises during construction that would idle crews while problems were being resolved.
Cable was cut from master reels as opposed to length-specific reels. This allowed cable to be placed using only a designated start and end point based on splicing locations. Material procurement and inventory management were greatly simplified. This also reduced waste by allowing partial remaining reels to be used up on shorter sections of cable routes.
Inventory Management
In addition to standardizing network elements, Irby's streamlined design process included innovative approaches to inventory management. During outside plant construction, changes are often required in the field due to unforeseen circumstances. Ordering materials based on an engineered BOM can lead to delays and complications when changes are needed. Rather than relying solely on engineered BOMs, Irby has kept operational stocking levels to work from. This non-conventional method allows field teams to access materials quickly, minimizing delays and streamlining the construction process. By maintaining operational stocking levels and leveraging economies of scale, Irby ensures that field teams have the flexibility to adapt to these changes without disrupting the project timeline. This method has the added benefit of deferring capital expenditures for materials and shortening the time from investment to revenue.
Risk Mitigation for Material Shortfalls
One common challenge is the risk of material shortfalls, which can significantly delay projects. To mitigate this risk, Irby Utilities has adopted a multi-sourcing strategy for common hardware and equipment. By sourcing materials from multiple suppliers, Irby has reduced their risk and ensured continuity of supply. This approach not only safeguards against unexpected shortages but also provides flexibility in pricing and quality.
Strategic Partnerships for BABA Compliance
Build American Buy American (BABA) compliance is required for many government funding programs. Small service providers must ensure their partners comply with these requirements to maintain funding eligibility. Strategic partners like Prysmian play a vital role in this regard. Prysmian is known for its commitment to manufacturing in the United States, which is essential for BABA compliance. By partnering with Prysmian, ISPs can ensure compliance with BABA requirements, thereby enhancing their eligibility for funding and contributing to the local economy.
Success Stories with Irby Utilities
Irby partners have greatly benefited from each of the above strategies. Even during post-COVID shortages, none of Irby’s Cooperative or Municipal partners have had to pause construction due to material shortages. This was made possible by the relationships formed and fostered between Irby and their manufacturing partners.
Conclusion Strategic partnerships with companies like Irby Utilities and Prysmian have been a critical aspect of First Electric’s successful fiber optic network deployment. Other small service providers have a key role to play in BEAD and other rural broadband deployments. Irby and Prysmian stand ready to assist these small service providers with holistic technical support and consistent, BABA-compliant material supply. |
|