This is according to research from Totalmobile which sells software to manage field operations
UK fibre providers face operational challenges, with 53% reporting a lack of day-to-day control over their field operations, according to new research from Totalmobile, which provides management software for field service. The study surveyed 100 senior telecom managers. It highlights how rising customer demands, operational blind spots and insufficient technology are creating hurdles for fibre providers across the country.
The UK government’s target is 99% FTTP coverage by 2030. The report warns that without urgent adoption of “advanced digital technologies”, many could face penalties, lose customers and end up with unsustainable operational models.
Unrealistic SLAs
More than 60% of respondents identified unrealistic service level agreements (SLAs) and “strain” on the workforce as top concerns as demand for fibre broadband overwhelms providers. Apparently this is making it difficult “to ensure first-time fixes” and meet customers’ expectations
Operational Blind Spots
More than half (53%) of senior operators feel they lack day-to-day control over field operations. Totalmobile translates this as, “Without real-time visibility into their workflows, many providers risk missing deadlines and underdelivering on customer promises”.
Immediate tech investment
Nearly 60% of fibre providers acknowledge their technology cannot handle the complexity of modern operations. Investment in areas such as automated workforce scheduling, mobile access to real-time data, and predictive maintenance is seen as critical to stay competitive.
Sustainability is imperative
Totalmobile says that as the emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets intensifies, executives face more pressure to minimise site visits and reduce carbon emissions. Notably, 38% of respondents indicate that achieving ESG targets is a primary objective for senior leadership. Providers that fail meet ESG targets could face operational risks plus potential fines and reputational damage.
Totalmobile’s research found that altnets that embrace technologies like automated scheduling and predictive analytics allow fibre providers to manage their workforce proactively, anticipate potential issues and better meet SLAs.
According to Rob Gilbert, Managing Director of Commercial and Infrastructure at Totalmobile, “As the fibre industry continues to face increasing complexity, adopting digital tools will be key for providers to maintain a sustainable business model while delivering high-quality service”.