Telecommunications Trends: AI and Design Automation in Broadband - ETI
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August 14, 2024

Telecommunications Trends: AI and Design Automation in Broadband

The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap.

This episode of The Broadband Bunch, hosted by Pete Pizzutillo, presents a discussion with Alain Meller, Deputy CEO of Setics. Meller provides a detailed account of the evolution and challenges in broadband network design and deployment, emphasizing the role of design automation and artificial intelligence in revolutionizing the industry.

Challenges in Broadband Expansion

The conversation begins with Alain Meller sharing his journey with Setics over the past decade, during which he has been pivotal in expanding the reach of their design automation software, Setics Sttar, to over 40 countries, including the United States. He discusses the unique challenges faced by the U.S. market—characterized by its vast scale and the substantial resources and capital needed for fiber rollout. He contrasts these challenges with more mature broadband markets in Europe, like France, Spain, and Portugal, where fiber deployment began more than 15 years ago and is nearing complete coverage.

Lessons from European Broadband Markets

Meller emphasizes the importance for North American operators to learn from European experiences to accelerate their own fiber deployments. He notes that European operators have refined their planning and deployment strategies over years of practice, which North American operators could use to streamline their processes. Key lessons include the critical importance of early and effective planning and surveying to prevent costly overruns and project delays.

The Impact of Design Automation

A significant focus of the discussion is the transformative impact of design automation in the broadband industry. Meller explains how design automation tools drastically reduce the time required for the planning and design phases, enabling operators to make quick adjustments and revisions as necessary. This not only speeds up the entire deployment process but also improves the accuracy of project scopes and cost estimates, leading to more predictable outcomes and reduced risk.

Internal Team Development and Strategic Advantages

Highlighting the strategic advantages of internal capabilities, Meller advocates for operators to invest in developing dedicated internal teams focused on planning and design. He argues that this approach reduces dependency on external engineering firms, enhances control over project quality, and effectively manages costs. Internal teams equipped with advanced tools and technologies can maintain oversight throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring projects meet their objectives and standards.

Role of AI in Network Planning

Meller discusses the integration of artificial intelligence in network planning and design, particularly how AI-powered object recognition and automated surveys revolutionize data collection. These technologies enable more accurate and faster infrastructure mapping, which is crucial for efficient and effective network planning and deployment.

Enhancing Efficiency with Automated Tools

The podcast delves into how automated survey techniques and AI-based object recognition are changing the market landscape. These technologies allow for the acquisition of better data earlier in the project lifecycle, which not only reduces costs but also shortens the timelines for planning and design phases, facilitating a more streamlined and adaptive process.

Strategic Advice for Network Operators

As the conversation nears its conclusion, Meller offers critical advice to network operators on embracing modern design and planning tools. He emphasizes the importance of integrating digitized and automated tools to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of network designs. By adopting these technologies, operators can maintain competitiveness and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market.

Opportunities for Learning and Engagement

Meller invites listeners to further engage by attending the upcoming Fiber Connect event hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association in Nashville. He also encourages visiting Setics’s website to learn more about their solutions and their recent formalization of their U.S. presence, which underscores their commitment to the North American market.

Broadband Market Trends and Future Directions

The discussion also touches on broader market trends and the future direction of the broadband industry. Meller highlights the increasing adoption of AI and design automation tools, which are becoming essential for efficient network planning and deployment. He predicts that these technologies will continue to evolve and become more integrated into the daily operations of network operators, driving further innovations in the industry.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a comprehensive overview of the significant advancements in broadband network design, the benefits of leveraging design automation, and the strategic importance of internal team development. Alain Meller’s insights offer valuable lessons for operators looking to enhance their network planning and deployment strategies in the face of an evolving technological landscape.

© 2024 Enhanced Telecommunications.

About the Author

Priscilla Berarducci - Sales and Marketing Coordinator

Priscilla manages digital content and supports sales/marketing efforts for ETI. She also serves as brand manager for the Broadband Bunch podcast where she books industry professionals who want to share their broadband stories.