Automating engineering data and connection availability on the Gridsz Platform simplifies an ambitious rollout for fiber optics network owner Open Dutch Fiber.
ABOUT OPEN DUTCH FIBER (ODF)
ODF is a fiber optic network owner that builds and manages fiber networks throughout the Netherlands, working together with municipalities, utility companies, housing corporations, owners’ associations, and contractors.
ODF believes that everyone should have access to fast, reliable and stable internet through the providers that offer their services on ODF’s network. Their network is open, meaning that all providers who want to can use it to provide services to their customers.
With the ambition of connecting two million Dutch households, ODF has already hit the halfway mark by realizing approximately one million connections in a successful rollout that took place in just 2.5 years. Bart van der Pol, Business Architect at ODF, shared the secret behind this rapid rollout.
THE CHALLENGE: How to do a rapid large-scale FTTH rollout successfully
For the rapid rollout, ODF worked closely with Odido, the first provider to offer internet, television and telephony over the ODF network. The challenge for ODF was supplying an enormous number of fiber optic connections in record time. The large scale of the project meant that it would be crucial to keep a close eye on costs, as well as keep the deployment within the budgeted time.
Making that happen at scale required very tight control over every aspect of the rollout project and continuous insight into progress. Errors in fiber optic networks have a way of multiplying, and at this scale, they can send a project far over budget in both time and money.
Possibly even more importantly, a large-scale FTTH network needs to start generating returns on the extensive CAPEX layout as soon as possible. The process needed to support selling connections fast.
THE SOLUTION: Streamlining order delivery and automating engineering data
Working at optimum speed on a large-scale network meant reducing the need for manual efforts and making the entire order process as efficient as possible. At its heart, the solution for ODF was an ability to automate the engineering data needed for handling orders. When every order automatically includes all the necessary technical data, it significantly increases the speed of the entire ordering process.
As Van der Pol explains, “The role for Gridsz in our process was the full technological support in speeding up, streamlining and automating the deployment, especially in terms of order processing and setting up the delivery line. This automation was crucial for reducing costs and shortening the deployment time on this large-scale FTTH rollout.”
THE TECHNOLOGY: Fast implementation and connection availability interfaces
“Firstly, Gridsz helped in the speed by implementing the system in a relatively short time so that ODF could be operational within 4 months. Rapid implementation is crucial to ensure an efficient large-scale rollout,” says Van der Pol. This included not only the implementation of ODF itself, but also the integration with active operator Odido through easy interfaces for orders and for connection availability information.
In addition, the Gridsz Platform contributed to the realization of the delivery street that enables the physical connectivity between the network and end users.
Importantly for ODF, Gridsz also automates engineering data in order processing, ensuring that every order automatically includes all the technical data needed to get the work done quickly and efficiently. This reduces manual efforts and the risk of errors.
THE RESULT: 100% orderability, even before all connections were realized
Advantage for the provider
As Van der Pol explains, “If we look at the result for Odido, we are talking about 100% orderability. They could place orders for all addresses, even if the physical connection had not yet been established. This meant they could offer their services to a wider customer base, without having to wait for the full infrastructure rollout.”
“By submitting orders at an early stage, even before engineering is ready or the connection is built, Odido had the competitive advantage of being able to attract customers early and offer their services when it was most beneficial to the customer,” he continues. “Odido could also make product adjustments without waiting for the physical completion of the connection. This meant they could respond quickly to changing customer needs or introduce new offerings.”
Advantage for the contractor
Early order intake also offers an advantage for the contractor tasked with building the connections. It gives them a better idea of the expected workload and helps them better plan the laying of the cables. “And by supporting ISP and active operator switching processes,” Van der Pol explains, “end customers could seamlessly switch to Odido’s services without duplication or disruption of service. That improves customer satisfaction.”
End customers also benefit from the ability to submit orders early and make interim changes, for example, if there are new offers or if their needs change. When large-scale construction takes a lot of time, it can lead to challenges in switching services because these often have a limited duration. “Thanks to Gridsz, the order can be put in before the connection is ready, reducing the chances of the switch failing due to delivery delays,” says Van der Pol.
In short, the benefits of using Gridsz to automate orders and availability extend to all stakeholders, according to Van der Pol. The provider can serve more customers and be more flexible in their offers and the contractor can plan more efficiently, while end customers benefit from flexibility and better switching service. When combined, it contributes to a smooth fiber network rollout and a better customer experience. Even at scale.
