PROJECT DETAILS
We began with an FLD for the full scope so that the utility could have an accurate model to predict full construction and material costs. Then the whole city was carved into areas served by individual powered hut locations.
By utilizing a just-in-time for construction phases design model the most up-to-date information is used. The just-in-time model allowed for design verification to be very accurate to the final constructed network, helping to reduce increased construction costs. By sequencing the design phases in this manner the total construction time was greatly reduced by the smoother construction process.
This client does a utility-lease model that allows for a utility to help fund a full project by having an anchor tenant lease capacity to connect every home while leaving enough space for the utility to integrate new technologies that will allow increase network efficiency and resiliency. In this case, the anchor tenant is a large company that is an Incumbent provider in other regions. This was one of the first projects in the country where an incumbent directly competed in another incumbent territory.
OUR APPROACH
The multiple design stages allowed for increased design fidelity as individual project areas got closer to specific construction dates.
First, there was a feasibility level design (FLD) to verify the correct sequencing and order timing. Then there was a high level design (HLD) that had verified demand data. Then finally there was a low level design (LLD) that was shovel ready after visual inspection of the path. This multi-stage process also meant that there were multiple review windows for the various project stakeholders across multiple companies/entities.
Part of the way through the project there was a change in the design parameters to save money on extra cable length. The design changes had to be applied consistently across all future areas and the algorithmic design systems allowed for easy change in processes. This change in the design architecture saved millions of dollars in total construction budgets across the project.
The project is on pace to be fully through construction nearly a year ahead of schedule (2022) despite material and labor shortages that occurred during the pandemic. This will allow all 105k+ homes in the greater Springfield area to have access to symmetrical 940 GB internet service from the new ISP in the market.
This also is a model for how other ISPs can enter a new market as supported by local utility providers.