Press Release 

Critical infrastructure firms can align geospatial designs across planning, design, and construction teams to dramatically improve deployment efficiency

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Sitetracker, the global deployment operations management software provider serving nearly 300 companies, today launched new capabilities to its already market-leading solution designed to help network operators, engineering, and construction companies accelerate the rollout of fiber broadband by layering construction plans with geographic information systems (GIS) data.

The new solution, Sitetracker GIS Link, connects geospatial data from web GIS systems such as Esri’s ArcGIS within Sitetracker’s deployment operations suite. GIS Link will also support new functionality within Sitetracker that will provide network operators enhanced visibility into deployments by rolling up key metrics such as homes passed by market and servicing area. These new capabilities will allow GIS data to be shared more efficiently, driving improved collaboration between internal and external parties, and enabling broadband to reach rural and underserved communities faster.

“We’re excited to be among the first to roll out Sitetracker GIS Link! With fiber work continuing to ramp up, GIS-enabled workflows are vital to improving collaboration while reducing inefficiency,” said Rob Reynolds, Chief Information Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at Congruex. “Aligning geospatial data with projects is a logical evolution that enables Sitetracker to remain a key and core system in our overall architecture.”

Sitetracker GIS Link will also benefit telecom tower operators, solar developers, EV companies, and other infrastructure companies by enabling multiple map layers, so companies can reduce swivel-chair analysis of wireless site candidates or solar developments and instead use proprietary site data within their deployment operations management functionality.

“Globally, broadband deployment is at an all-time high driven by large-scale investments from both public and private sectors, and providers simply cannot work quickly enough to meet this surging demand,” said Charlie Kennamer, Sitetracker’s Vice President of Telecom, Americas. “We can only meet aggressive build-out targets by shedding outdated processes and adapting modern, efficiency-oriented technology and solutions.”

With fully integrated geospatial data, GIS Link makes it easy to align planning, engineering, and construction work. The solution offers a unified, real-time workflow between stakeholders allowing them to keep network plans aligned with construction progress and enabling more efficient handoffs. For project managers, engineers, and construction managers still relying on paper copies and ad hoc collaboration tools, the software simplifies the ability to receive GIS-based work plans, organize and schedule work, accurately capture production progress, and quickly report – all without manual processes or duplicate data entry. With these capabilities, Sitetracker GIS Link helps accelerate broadband and other types of deployments to meet the lofty goals set out by programs such as Internet for All in the United States, Project Gigabit in the United Kingdom, and the European Union’s Digital Decade.

According to the World Broadband Association, fiber connectivity is tied to economic growth and participation among citizens in education, business, and civic opportunities. Yet, the cost of deployment, regulations, and resource constraints are hindering broadband deployment, particularly in rural areas and developing countries. Efficiency gains are key to more critical infrastructure development.

“We are excited about the efficiency gains that the Esri Sitetracker partnership will provide the industry to better bridge the world’s digital divide,” said Randall René, director of telecommunications industry solutions at Esri.

Even before the launch of GIS Link, Sitetracker helped companies shorten their construction timeframes from project launch to close-out by 31% on average, allowing them to more easily manage projects, assets, and sites as well as processes for capital planning, permitting, ongoing maintenance and more, all in a single platform.

To learn more about Sitetracker’s deployment operations management solution for fiber network operators, contractors, and other critical infrastructure stakeholders, please visit the Sitetracker website.

 

About Sitetracker

Sitetracker powers the rapid deployment of tomorrow’s infrastructure. The global leader in deployment operations management software, Sitetracker helps innovative companies like Cox, Telefonica, EVgo, Nextera, Comcast, ChargePoint, Ziply, Southern Company, Iberdrola, Vodafone, Vantage Towers, VerticalBridge, and Congruex plan, deploy, and manage millions of programs, projects, sites, and assets across nearly 300 customers globally. By giving telecommunications, EV charging, renewables, utility, and real estate teams a cloud-based solution that works easily and effectively, Sitetracker accelerates the transition to a fully connected and sustainable future. Deploy what’s next. For more information, please request a demo.

Sitetracker are silver sponsors at this week’s Connected Britain – catch them on stand 114!

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News 

3G usage continues to fall on EE’s network, falling to a record low this summer 

EE has confirmed this week that its nationwide 3G switch off will begin in January 2024 and aims to complete it by March

The operator said that beginning in July this year, it had conducted successful trials in Warrington, Cheshire, where less than 5% of customers use any 3G data. 

The shutdown of the 3G network will free up spectrum which can then be used to improve the coverage and speed of 4G and 5G networks. 

On EE’s network, 3G makes up just 0.6% of all downloaded UK data, and 7% of all voice traffic, which is a 73% decrease since January 2020. 

“3G represents around 35% of our mobile network’s total power consumption – massively outweighing its usage which is falling all the time. Retiring the technology is one of the best steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint, as modern networks like 4G and 5G are not only faster and more reliable for customers but also up to ten times more efficient,” said Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer in a statement. 

“In fact, we estimate that switching off our 3G network across the UK will save the equivalent amount of energy needed to fully charge up to four billion smartphones, making it better for the planet as well as our customers”. 

Under government guidance, all UK mobile operators have committed to phasing out their 2G and 3G networks by 2033 at the latest. 

Hear from Howard Watson, Chief Security & Networks Officer at BT at this week’s Connected Britain – get last minute tickets now! 

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Press Release

Ericsson is set to receive a five-year funding from Germany’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action for its European Microelectronics and Communication Technologies for 6G (EMCT) project. This project aims to drive semiconductor technology advancements and foundation needed to develop energy-efficient and sustainable microelectronics and communication technologies for 6G Massive MIMO radios together with partners in Europe.

Ericsson Antenna Technology Germany GmbH will lead the development of this project at the Rosenheim R&D site in Germany.

The project is part of the European Union’s Important Project of Common European Interest on Microelectronics and Communication Technologies (IPCEI-ME/CT) initiative. This initiative was jointly prepared by 14 EU member states and will provide up to EUR 8.1 billion in public funding to support research and development projects across the whole ecosystem of microelectronics and communication technologies – from materials and tools to the chip design and manufacturing processes. This partner collaboration will contribute to a stronger ecosystem and the evolution of semiconductor technologies in Europe.

The IPCEI procedures allow for public-sector funding to be granted at the national level for projects that significantly contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the European industrial sector. Ericsson is among 56 companies that will undertake 68 projects in total as part of IPCEI-ME/CT.

The IPCEI ME/CT projects also aim to enable digital and green transformation by creating innovative microelectronics and communication solutions and developing energy-efficient and resource-saving electronic systems and manufacturing methods.

Ericsson’s project scope is to extend the current radio microelectronics development by establishing early technology development of 6G radio microelectronics in co-operation with European partners. Focus is on early technology development off 6G Massive MIMO radios, which will strengthen the European semiconductor ecosystem and help complete a European value chain in this vital field of European interest.

Freddie Södergren, Head of Technology and Strategy, Ericsson Networks, says: “The introduction of the 5G mobile communications standard already opened up a multitude of new applications beyond voice and mobile data. Upcoming 6G mobile networks need to meet the ever-increasing demand for communication in the areas of human-to-human, human-to-machine, and machine-to-machine in a highly energy-efficient way.”

“We’re excited to gain this opportunity, which allows us to pave the way for developing world-leading, highly efficient Massive MIMO radios by completing the value chain in microelectronics and communication technologies,” adds Södergren. “Ericsson’s R&D site in Rosenheim plays an important role in building competencies in microelectronics for Massive MIMO radios and the semiconductor industry in Germany.”

Federal Minister Robert Habeck: “As a key technology, microelectronics plays a central role in climate protection, energy efficiency and economic growth. Independent access to microelectronics components is more important than ever for the transformation of the economy and for the security of supply of Germany and Europe.”

Robert Habeck, Vice Chancellor of Germany and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action hosted the official Letter of Intent ceremony in Berlin where participating companies were invited to present their projects. Ericsson was represented by Markus Feld, Managing Director of Ericsson Antenna Technology Germany GmbH.

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