Wed, 02 Apr 2025

The Subscriber Take-Up Dilemma – Why Network Documentation Matters for FTTP Success

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Written by Robyn George, Senior Telecommunications Consultant at VertiGIS

The Challenge: Low Subscriber Take-Up Rates in FTTP Deployments 

Across global markets, fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) deployments are accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Operators are investing heavily in network infrastructure, aiming to gain first-mover advantage and establish market dominance. However, despite this aggressive expansion, a critical challenge remains: subscriber take-up rates are not keeping pace with deployment efforts. 

Example: 

According to industry research, as of May 2023, the FTTP subscriber take-up rate in the UK stood at only 27%, despite significant coverage expansion. This reflects a broader trend where fiber networks are built, but customer adoption lags behind expected projections. 

The Underlying Issue: Network Visibility and Installation Bottlenecks 

One of the primary reasons for suboptimal subscriber take-up is inefficiencies in network documentation and inventory management.  

Operators face difficulties in: 

  • Identifying which premises are truly serviceable. 
  • Ensuring real-time accuracy of available network capacity. 
  • Reducing installation lead times and first-time-right installation rates. 

Many fiber installations are delayed or require multiple technician visits due to inaccurate or incomplete network data. This increases operational costs and leads to customer frustration – damaging Net Promoter Scores (NPS) and overall brand perception. 

The Solution: Digital Network Documentation for a Seamless FTTP Experience 

To bridge the gap between FTTP rollout and subscriber adoption, operators must leverage integrated network inventory and documentation systems. A digitally documented fiber network ensures: 

  • Faster Installations: Technicians have precise visibility into available ports and connections before arriving on-site. This eliminates unnecessary truck rolls and reduces installation time. 
  • Optimized Take-Up Strategies: Sales teams can accurately determine which homes and businesses are fiber-ready, allowing for targeted customer engagement. 
  • Proactive Capacity Management: Operators can prevent service bottlenecks by ensuring real-time updates to network availability. 
  • Investor Confidence: A well-documented network demonstrates operational efficiency and scalability, making it more attractive for funding and M&A activities. 

How VertiGIS ConnectMaster Empowers FTTP Success 

At VertiGIS, we understand that precision and efficiency are non-negotiable in fiber network operations. VertiGIS ConnectMaster is designed to provide: 

  • A Unified System of Record: Comprehensive, real-time documentation of both physical and logical network assets. 
  • Seamless Integration with Business Support Systems: Ensuring accurate serviceability data for sales and operations teams. 
  • Automated Planning & Documentation: Reducing the risk of human error and streamlining network expansion strategies. 

With VertiGIS ConnectMaster, fiber operators can turn their infrastructure investments into profitable, high-adoption networks – ensuring maximum ROI and superior customer experiences. 

How is your organization addressing the challenge of subscriber take-up in FTTP rollouts Let’s discuss it in a meeting – Book a consultation now!

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