Read how Network Connex moved beyond vendor to strategic partner for our client as they expand broadband networks in the South Central U.S.
SITUATION
Premier Broadband first began working with Network Connex in 2022 when they were a newer player in the internet service provider (ISP) space. As they planned to expand broadband service through small-scale fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and fiber extension projects across South Central Arkansas, the ISP wanted to partner with a known entity who was well versed in FTTH infrastructure work.
Having used Network Connex’s engineering expertise and knowing we also could provide fiber network consultation, planning, grant application strategy, and network implementation services, Premier Broadband leaned into the partnership for end-to-end broadband deployment support.
REQUIREMENTS
Premier Broadband’s telecom expertise did not extend to fiber network deployment and alongside their integrator, Southern Tier Resources, they wanted an experienced fiber infrastructure provider to show them best practices while working through all phases of broadband design and deployment. They especially sought support with:
01
Grant funding guidance
Thorough research, strategic designs, and detailed documentation would be necessary to secure federal grants like BEAD and USDA ReConnect, etc. that would defray the cost of network expansion.
02
Strategic planning and network design
Ensuring future scalability for business performance and longevity.
03
Support for rapid expansion
Expertise in vetting new territories and opportunities.
04
Streamlined end-to-end services
Support across the full lifecycle of broadband projects with proven strategies to reduce delays and optimize end results.
KEY PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
The collaborative approach Premier Broadband developed with Network Connex paved the way to expand their broadband footprint.
- Strategic consulting: Consultative direction early in the project ideation stages ensured a smooth runway for the project.
- End to end infrastructure services: A single provider from inception to completion covered design, engineering, permitting, bonding, construction, splicing, and testing services.
- Support for geographic expansion: When investigating new service areas, complete route research, identification of backhaul connections, and documentation of the planned network prepared Premier Broadband to grow into new areas.
- Community-focused execution: In communities where they would like to offer new broadband service, the partners work together to deliver broadband community talks and answer questions for residents, local governments, and other stakeholders.
The grant application process is complex. There is a science and an art to it and Network Connex has helped us get prepared with the data we need and communicating a vision of the finished system that helps sell the projects to funding agencies. Also the team (especially Mike Abbott and Jason Bennett) has really exceeded my expectations with the level of speed they’ve been able to achieve, like getting everything done for 25 areas in about a week. I couldn’t have asked for more.
—Scott Sims, Director, Premier Broadband
RESULTS
From the deep partnership they’ve developed with Network Connex, Premier Broadband is realizing several key results:
- New networks online: New broadband service is now available to users in Arkansas towns including Stamps, Nashville, and Mineral Springs with over 6,000 passings completed by Network Connex (and many more to come!).
- Scalable model: With the right consultative partner and a customized repeatable model, Premier Broadband is moving forward with expansion projects in new states including Texas and Mississippi.
- Futureproof network: The new fiber network is built to handle future capacity. While Premier is now offering 1G broadband packages for customers, they’ll be able to ramp up to 25G, 40G or higher offerings as bandwidth demand grows.
- Leveled up industry knowledge: Working closely with Network Connex, the Premier Broadband team is growing their FTTH knowledge in preparation for each new project.
- Long-term value creation: Premier Broadband’s goal is to build a legacy with their ISP business, and Network Connex’s strategic involvement has been essential in helping them take each step with confidence.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The kind of relationship that our team has been able to build with Premier Broadband is a dream partnership and we are standing ready to help similar ISPs tackle the challenges of designing, funding, and deploying their FTTH networks.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive fiber optic infrastructure partner, Network Connex can help. We can’t wait to hear about your next project.