Broadband Data: How Telecom Companies Use It for Network Expansion

Access to fast and reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a basic utility, like water and electricity. Amidst this, telecom companies have become some of the world’s largest, investing millions annually to deploy the latest technology as they compete for clients and revenue.

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With such high stakes, how can telecom companies make good investment decisions? What role does broadband data play in solving their issues? And how does this data work? 

1. How Broadband Data Works

Broadband data operates through a process of data collection and analysis. Initially, data is gathered from various sources:

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1. Users perform speed tests on different platforms to measure actual internet speeds.
2. Service providers report on their coverage areas by submitting details maps.
3. Geographic information systems (GIS) map the distribution of network infrastructure, including fiber optic lines and cell towers.

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This collected data is then aggregated and analyzed to produce coverage maps and reports.

2. Challenges of Network Expansion

Building a robust network infrastructure is an expensive endeavour. It requires significant investments in employing skilled labour, digging up ground, and setting up complex data links.

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Unlike other businesses where customers can come to you, telecom providers must establish connections to each building they wish to serve before they can even have a chance of offering them services, making strategic planning paramount.

3. The Risks of Overbuild

One of the most significant concerns for telecom companies is the issue of overbuild. Overbuild occurs when multiple companies establish connections to the same building.

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The result is a divided customer base and shared potential revenue, which can dramatically impact the return on investment for infrastructure projects. Knowing where to build, and where your competitors are building, is a must.

4. How Broadband Data Help Telecom Companies 

Broadband data has become indispensable for telecom companies in addressing these challenges. This data can reveal which areas already have multiple providers and where opportunities for new investments exist. Precise and up-to-date data can significantly reduce the scale of overbuild, improve competitor analysis, and allocate resources more efficiently. This, in turn, helps reduce costs and maximize both Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and overall potential revenue.

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The main benefits of broadband data in network expansion are:

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1. Reducing Overbuild: As previously explained, detailed data on existing broadband connections enables telecom companies to avoid areas with high competition and focus on underserved territories.
2. Competitor Analysis: Broadband datasets give a clear picture of competitors' networks, helping businesses outmaneuver rivals.
3. Demographic and Geographic Understanding: With insights into demographic and geographical data, telecom companies can plan their expansion in areas with the highest demand potential.
4. Cost Reduction: Reliable data allows better decision-making on the ground, cutting down on poor investments.
5. Maximizing ARPU and Revenue: In-depth analysis of the competitive landscape helps optimize per-user revenue and overall profitability.

5. How to Find Top Broadband Data Providers

At Point Topic, we understand the critical role of broadband data in the telecom industry. Having served the UK market for more than 25 years, our data extends throughout Europe and globally. We're proud to be one of the companies entrusted with publishing the European Commission's annual 'Broadband Coverage in Europe' study. Our data and reputation make us an indispensable partner for telecom companies across the globe. Customers use our data month after month to make high-impact decisions for their business.

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Talk to Us for Your Needs. If you're interested in leveraging precise, up-to-date broadband data for your market analysis, benchmarking or network expansion strategies, talk to us today to discover how we can meet your needs. The Datarade marketplace is an ideal place to start discovering our products and the solutions we provide.

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