Susheel Kumar Tadka Narsimha’s Post

United States, open access networks are finally gaining traction nationwide. In additional to major players entering the market, existing open access entities are thriving, as more cities and regions are committing to open access. Under this model, multiple ISPs can offer services over the same broadband infrastructure. The promise is greater innovation and competition, and easy entrance into the market for some. Overseas, they're practically old hat. (read more on https://lnkd.in/dnDu3iwJ

Open Access is a strategic asset in the broadband ecosystem - it has the potential to improve broadband business performance from its very core.

Open Access is a strategic asset in the broadband ecosystem - it has the potential to improve broadband business performance from its very core.

Open Access is a strategic asset in the broadband ecosystem - it has the potential to improve broadband business performance from its very core.

Open Access is a strategic asset in the broadband ecosystem - it has the potential to improve broadband business performance from its very core.

Open Access is a strategic asset in the broadband ecosystem - it has the potential to improve broadband business performance from its very core.

Part 1 of Challenging Code 72, Licensed and Unlicensed Fixed Wireless for BEAD: A lack of permit means no Reliable Broadband Service. Without a permit or viable contract, no service meets the NTIA "Reliable Broadband Service" criteria: "(2) is available with a high degree of certainty, (3) both at present and in the foreseeable future." https://lnkd.in/eiEWc66k. Bulk Challenges based on Availability allow supporting evidence under Challenge Code 5 to include "Permit information." However, it gives the example of providing permit information but does not address the lack of permits. In the traditional telco world and in the cellular realm, permitting and rights-of-way are buttoned up. There are exceptions, but these are mostly isolated to a few players. In the cable world, adherence varies by the provider. However, smaller fixed wireless providers often face challenges regarding permits, documentation, and rights-of-way. Paperwork is commonly seen as an impediment to doing real work. While the "get-er-done" spirit is admirable, it's crucial to recognize that compliance with permitting and regulatory requirements is essential, especially when one-time BEAD money is at stake. **Evidence Collection for Challenge Code 5 under Permits:** Locate towers and other transmitter locations for the fixed wireless provider. This will require thorough field checks visually and with electronic receivers because WISPs are very creative in the structures they will use. After these are catalogued, search for building permits, zoning approvals or exemptions, and co-location agreements. Without these documents, providers cannot ensure availability, both now and in the future as mandated by BEAD regulations. **Real-World Examples:** WISP transmitter sites without contracts or rights-of-way agreements lead to complications and often result in disconnecting customers on a weekly basis. Transmit or relay sites on customer property, in my experience, often feed 3 to 40 other homes. New property owners may not honor the handshake arrangement with the past owner and demand removal of all equipment. Also, existing property owners may threaten to remove transmit equipment due to an unresolved dispute. About half the time, these situations could be resolved by either satisfying the landowner or feeding the affected customers from an alternate site. Unfortunately, just as often, there would be no choice but to disconnect the downstream customers. Some WISPs may build towers without proper zoning and permitting approvals and disregard environmental and safety standards. At one state broadband meeting that I attended, some WISPs volunteered that they use euphemisms for “tower” to skirt regulations. Besides the obvious risks this poses to the community and environment, the lack of compliance creates service insecurity that does not meet BEAD standards.

The biggest take away from this marketing campaign is that; ‘Landowners have enough to worry about without having to deal with the burden of telecom companies, price negotiations, and keeping up with the ever changing government policies. We will do it for you’. I’ve worked on the other side of the fence in my previous roles. I’ve seen first hand the aggressive tactics used by operators and infrastructure companies to hammer down rents, with no regard for the impact this has on landowners or their businesses. Times are changing, and fast. TiPs reputation with site providers is second to none, allowing us to also conclude deals based on recommendations from other landowners we have done business with too. Word of mouth is key. We put landowners first, and we do the thankless task of dealing with operators and infrastructure companies on their behalf, at no cost. We put an end to the threatening letters, rent reductions, terminations and day to day miss management of a landowners telecoms site. We take on the risk so landowners have the freedom and peace of mind to invest their income how they wish, without fear of the uncertainty surrounding their lease. Telecom IP are acquiring sites from infrastructure companies and operators at a current rate of 2000 per annum (and rising fast), these numbers speak for themselves. Telecom Infrastructure Partners (TIP)

US broadband providers spent $94.7 billion on infrastructure during 2024, the second most they've invested in at least 20 years, USTelecom reports. Read more via Inside Towers https://ow.ly/1X1z50TZGmc #BroadbandInvestment #USTelecom #InfrastructureInvestment #TechNews #DigitalInfrastructure #InternetAccess #BroadbandProviders #TelecomIndustry #Connectivity #DigitalEconomy

PLDT and Smart are urging the government and other stakeholders to to address ongoing challenges in rolling out network infrastructure https://lnkd.in/gXhjKU8m