There is a growing interest in “multi-ISP” fiber networks that—across a variety of models—seek to deliver a choice of internet service options to end consumers, in what we know is a traditionally monopolistic industry. Now that we’ve started the conversation, communities need us to think more expansively about what these networks can do and push forward a new solution.
A new model
A single “fiber-to-the-community” (FTTC) network, with a neutral marketplace for services, can deliver competition and choice in internet service, and also form the foundation to modernize and interconnect critical municipal infrastructure. FTTC networks can be designed to serve every segment—from homes and businesses, to transportation departments, and water & energy utilities. And the connected community applications hosted by this multi-purpose infrastructure can then also serve a range of goals—from resource optimization, to improved public safety, and citizen engagement.
To date, cities have been forced to pursue different networks for each use-case—for example, different networks for residential internet and “smart city” applications. Today, it’s possible to deploy a single neutral fiber network, with a software technology layer, to support multiple types of service providers and power every solution.
Software-powered bandwidth allocation enables more efficient resource utilization, which in turn enables cities to accommodate and integrate multiple applications without over-burdening the infrastructure. This technology also allows multiple parties—Utilities, Public Safety Departments etc.—to securely access data from connected endpoints like environmental sensors, security cameras, and traffic monitors.
These concepts represent an essential evolution in the way we conceive of community fiber networks—maximizing their utility while minimizing deployment costs.
By understanding the evolving landscape of network and digital applications, leveraging multi-use concepts and converged infrastructure, and prioritizing cybersecurity and stakeholder collaboration, cities can create a foundation for innovation, sustainable growth, and prosperity. With careful planning and strategic investments, cities can harness the power of technology, combined with a modern fiber network, to create inclusive and thriving urban environments for all residents.
Here are three examples of connected community applications that can be deployed over a multi-purpose network:
Acoustic Fiber Sensing
Acoustic fiber sensing technology offers a non-intrusive method for monitoring the integrity of critical infrastructure—including water pipes, railways, and power cables—and presents significant revenue opportunities for cities and infrastructure operators.
Leveraging existing fiber-optic networks as acoustic sensors, operators can monitor infrastructure assets in real time, detect anomalies and potential threats, and proactively address maintenance issues before they escalate into costly failures.
As an example, this technology can be deployed to detect and prevent leaks in critical water lines, arming the utility with exact data on location and expected time to failure. This proactive approach to asset management improves operational efficiency, extends asset lifespans, and minimizes downtime, resulting in cost savings and enhanced service reliability for stakeholders across all utilities.
Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)
Cities can deploy roadside small cell networks so that transportation departments can provide dedicated, secure communication channels for AVs, enabling real-time data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and central control systems.
Fleet owners and manufacturers can also leverage this data to optimize vehicle performance, improve traffic flow, and enhance passenger experiences, thereby creating revenue opportunities through value-added services and partnerships in a cyber secure format.
Digital Twins
Digital twins (virtual replicas of physical assets or systems) can be deployed to support urban planning, infrastructure management, and service delivery. An effective “smart city” system—built atop a multi-purpose network—can draw real-time data from diverse sources, including infrastructure assets, environmental sensors, and community feedback. With the help of AI, this data is then used to develop comprehensive digital twins that run endless scenarios to simulate urban operations.
This data-driven approach enables stakeholders to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and anticipate future challenges, thereby enhancing efficiency, resilience, and sustainability across multiple domains. In addition, digital twins can serve as powerful tools for public engagement, enabling residents to visualize and participate in the co-creation of their urban environment, fostering a sense of ownership and community empowerment.
Multi-purpose networks for resilient, connected communities
There is a common phrase for technologists, “The future is here, it’s just not evenly distributed”. Many emerging technologies, like these three examples, face friction in their deployment across communities—much of which is derived from the design and reliability of existing infrastructure. Cities need a versatile platform for supporting a wide range of applications and services—especially as they are asked to do more with less. A modern, well-designed FTTC network reduces both the capex and opex associated with the deployment of these technologies, and increases the pace of adoption for the constituents of a community. As it becomes increasingly clear that digital infrastructure and related technologies will be an enormous economic driver over the next decades, now is the time to develop robust fiber-to-the-community networks, and secure every community's ability to participate in the coming technology boom.