Telecom
Communication providers continue to compete in an industry ripe with changes that span technology, regulations, and competition. Some of the key trends emerging within the industry
- Developments in ultra-low latency, improved data rates and network slicing associated with 5G networks that promise to provide new business models in services, network operation and customer experience for telecom operators
- Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that promise to enable increased optimization and predictive maintenance of telecommunications companies’ networks
- Increased development of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and systems that provide new opportunities for operators alongside new challenges in security and privacy
- Telecom companies seeking to utilize big data in order to improve customer service, determine and evaluate new products, and monitor and optimize the network
- New service models emerging through the increasing use of cloud computing and managed services through advantages in scale, scalability and cost effectiveness
- Increasing challenges associated with cybersecurity and network resiliency in the face of denial of service attacks and malware
- Changing state laws and regulations related to the potential reach of community broadband initiatives
- Increasing needs for communication services by energy providers in support of smart grid networks
Services provided by The Shpigler Group include:
- Developing plans for community broadband, cable, and FTTH networks
- Conducting analysis of digital upgrades to existing communication networks
- Developing competitive analysis and rate studies
- Developing regional fiber pricing analysis
- Developing go-to-market strategies for vendors seeking to market to the telecom industry
Examples of projects completed by The Shpigler Group include:
- Conducting analysis of network requirements for proposed fiber deployment for electric utility. Collected information on proposed utility applications and site requirements. Designed fiber network to suit utility needs. Identified top optronics vendors and developed Request for Proposals. Developed project plan to support operational implementation of network.
- Developing a cost model for a global developer of passive fiber optic network systems. Conducted financial analysis to determine value proposition behind customer adoption of proposed PON architecture in broadband access deployments. Developed financial model that demonstrated financial characteristics associated with fiber backbone deployment in support of networks involving Wi-Fi and FTTH last mile options.
- Writing white paper outlining opportunities in smart grid deployment on behalf of global developer of advanced communications systems. Conducted research and analysis to outline value proposition associated with underlying communications infrastructure of distribution automation, advanced metering infrastructure, and substation automation. Built business case to evaluate economic impact of market case studies.
- Developing research study on emerging peer-to-peer wireless systems in support of electric utilities, critical infrastructure, and intelligent transportation market segments. Conducted primary research among key segments of markets that would be impacted by deployment of systems that include LTE, meteor burst communication, HALO, and Dynamic GIS. Gathered survey feedback and developed proposed market framework for system deployment.
- Developing operational support for wireless spectrum holder seeking to utilize frequencies for utility, critical infrastructure, and intelligent transportation programs. Coordinated efforts among key system users to develop viable plan for implementation of multi-user spectrum lease program.
- Conducting research on the trends for deployment of Distributed Antenna Systems on utility poles. Evaluated the operational practices and challenges associated with permitting and deployment of DAS units. Conducted detailed primary and secondary research to identify some of the historical trends among existing DAS deployments. Conducted analysis to profile the potential long term impact to the electric utility.
- Writing Request for Proposals for communication demonstration project. Developed RFP for year-long pre-commercial pilot focused on system integrators and service providers. Developed scoring template based on key criteria to guide decision process. Acted as facilitator of decision process for chosen system provider.
- Developing business plan for telecommunications provider planning on launching statewide broadband access deployment. Analyzed market potential associated with five target markets and provided deployment strategy for each. Provided background information in support of planned partnership with infrastructure developer.
- Supporting well-established telecommunications company entry into new broadband access market opportunity. Developed roadmap for telco to penetrate new markets by tapping into new technical solutions. Developed financial modeling tools to create strategy for new market opportunities and to support contract negotiations with infrastructure owners. Identified four distinct areas of contract negotiations and performed sensitivity testing of importance on business case potential for each one.
- Performing Monte Carlo simulation on business plan for proposed broadband deployment. Calculated potential range of valuation, rates of return, and funding requirements based on market indices. Developed “worst-case scenario” in support of go/no-go market deployment decision.
- Providing benchmark analysis of telecommunications activities for Canadian utility reporting to provincial energy board. Analyzed overall telecom expenditures, including Service Level Agreements, Network Operations Center operations, staffing and cost allocations, and pricing levels. Provided legal opinion for filing of rate case involving all telecommunications costing implications and provided input on structure of revised SLA.
- Developing ten-year strategy study on behalf of utility and telecom service provider that leverages its current business strengths, assets, and business plans and helps predict directions and milestones for markets to invest in. Assessed market development scenarios including high-level use cases, technologies, partners, competitors, established vendors, new vendors, current customers, new customers, business models, and go-to-market options. Developed recommendations on strategic direction, including customer development, partnerships, and acquisitions to consider.
- Developing detailed assessment of the market potential of a managed service offering on behalf of a communication network developer. Assessed market requirements, value proposition, and go-to-market strategy based on comprehensive set of research and analysis. Developed plan to increase company revenues by over $400 million. Profiled opportunities in exploring managed services in smart grid, distributed generation, mobility, and wireless communication.
- Developing market strategy on behalf of a global provider in the field of communications networking services and equipment. Developed market segmentation study to identify the disparate pieces of the utility market and identify opportunities and challenges in leveraging key points of the industry value chain. Provided technical support in the development of key solutions requirements in order to satisfy utility needs with respect to core communications mandates, technical requirements, and platform needs. Synthesized research and analysis into a comprehensive go-to-market strategy.
- Writing Request for Proposals for municipality seeking to enter into franchise relationship with communications provider. Outlined key technical and commercial agreement terms consistent with state laws and existing cable franchise agreement. Supported procurement process by performing project management function during solicitation period.
- Analyzing optimal backbone network approach in support of communications network deployment. Conducted engineering review of proposed telecommunications network. Developed cost model to calculate cost structure for different technology approaches. Prepared hybrid network design that reduced overall capital requirements by over 25%.
- Developing fiber pricing study for municipal utility entering into metro fiber market. Collected price data for dark and lit fiber on competing fiber routes and calculated likely market demand for bandwidth. Conducted regression analysis to analyze the true drivers of price differentiation on fiber routes. Conducted game theory analysis to develop optimal pricing strategy.
- Investigating technology issues and evaluating prospective technology providers for a community-based utility-backed network provider in Canada. Conducted research and analysis of technical solutions offered by a variety of providers within the powerline and wireless industries. Also conducted study on regulatory limitations of the business and evaluated the market demand for broadband services within the service territory.
- Conducted analysis of market potential for additional routes on behalf of long haul fiber provider. Developed primary and secondary research to quantify the specific level of bandwidth demand on a number of select fiber routes. Developed detailed bandwidth model that calculated the underlying end-user demand from residential, enterprise, and data center sources. Conducted industry interviews to identify key market trends, sources of demand, and pricing levels.
- Developing detailed benchmarking analysis for Security Event Management (SEM) services for electric utility. Conducted review of SEM requirements and evaluated proposed approach. Conducted benchmarking study to evaluate SEM service relative to cost and performance metrics within industry. Provided report to utility management and regulatory commission on efficacy of proposed approach.
- Developing strategic assessment for electric utility to utilize existing communications assets to deploy new services to expand on revenue and earnings. Evaluated 17 different business models, ranging from infrastructure services to wholesale services to customer-facing programs. Conducted detailed market analysis to identify revenue potential for each business model under consideration and further developed complete business cases for each targeted program.
- Conducting assessment of impact of small cell deployment in Canadian market. Evaluating economics of utilizing transmission towers and distribution poles to provide for small cell attachments. Delivered information relative to attachment rates, operational issues, safety, power usage, and cell spacing to enable the development of a long-term strategic plan. Developed business model to assess financial impact of deployment options.
- Delivering comprehensive communications benchmarking study for Canadian utility. Collected performance metrics from a variety of U.S. and Canadian utilities regarding the development of fiber, microwave, wireless, and land mobile radio systems, in support of presentation before regulatory body. Interviewed key utility communications subject matter experts and collected data on operating and capital expenses matched against performance levels. Used performance and survey data to compile report profiling industry best-in-class processes and performance levels.
- Preparing go-to-market strategy for municipal UTelco. Developed complete business plan to test viability of various market approaches aimed at enhancing financial performance of existing Fiber-To-The-Home business. Conducted market study to assess consumer perceptions of existing and planned market offerings and price points. Analyzed key factors associated with increasing market penetration. Identified viable business partnerships with local enterprises to establish optimal private-public partnerships.
- Developing industry report on homeland security and its effect on the utility community. Compiled a complete assessment of current homeland security practices and the expected future direction for utilities. Provided roadmap for existing homeland security structure and developed comprehensive set of recommendations for public sector policy and company-focused issues.
- Developing business case analysis and technical evaluation for cable operator interested in pursuing additional services on existing network. Conducted market study to determine the likely penetration rate and competitive response involved in delivering digital cable platform and VoIP. Analyzed technical aspects associated with network migration.
- Developing detailed business feasibility study and qualitative assessment of network expansion of cable provider into telephony market. Conducted demographic analysis of service territory to identify likely service penetration level. Conducted network build analysis focused on identifying network expansion requirements. Developed proprietary financial model to evaluate financing requirements and prospects for system payback. Conducted assessment of strategic and tactical requirements in support of network expansion.
- Developing business case for proposed municipal FTTH deployment. Measured financial and operational impact associated with upgrading municipal cable network to full fiber. Evaluated capital requirements and customer impacts associated with various system architectures.