Tim here, excited to bring you The OX Factor. We’re diving deep into the nuts and bolts of broadband construction and fiber network management—sharing insights that go beyond the basics. At Ocius-X, we’re all about keeping things simple, but impactful. Grab your coffee, and let’s explore what’s next for the future of fiber.

What’s the Big Story?

Scotland’s innovation is turning heads, even from afar. On Papa Westray, one of the UK’s most remote islands in Orkney, engineers have harnessed an “ingenious approach” to boost broadband—by running fiber cables through water pipes. This groundbreaking project, a first in the UK, is transforming connectivity for residents and businesses alike without the usual disruption of road digging or costly construction.

Led by CloudNet, this initiative is part of the Scottish Government’s R100 programme, targeting broadband upgrades in remote areas. Thanks to this clever engineering, the island’s residents can now access internet speeds on par with mainland Scotland. Beyond boosting connectivity, the project introduced remote sensors within the water pipes, helping monitor water quality and optimize the island’s water system.

What’s special here is the dual purpose: not only does it cut down on the need for new construction, but it also equips the islanders with a more efficient, environmentally friendly water system. As Papa Westray resident Ian Cursiter put it, this connectivity upgrade finally puts the island on equal footing with mainland Scotland, providing a lifeline for business, healthcare, and daily life.

Top News Lately

1. The Lac du Flambeau Tribe is tackling connectivity issues head-on, launching a broadband service center that will extend high-speed internet access across the reservation and beyond. With $26 million in federal funding, the tribe is focused on enhancing communication and creating new tech jobs for tribal members.

2. IIGs in Bangladesh are pushing for a major reduction in bandwidth costs, which may lead to more affordable internet for the public. This proposal, currently under review by the BTRC, aims to support digital access and boost economic growth.

3. A $1 billion deal between AT&T and Corning will expand fiber optic networks across U.S. communities. This effort aligns with the federal BEAD initiative, aiming to bring fast, affordable internet to rural and underserved areas.

4. Utilities are investing in private broadband to keep pace with the growing complexity of grid operations. By using private LTE and hybrid networks, they’re enhancing their ability to manage smart grids, respond to outages quickly, and improve overall grid efficiency amidst rising sustainability and resiliency needs.

5. The broadband market, driven by giants like AT&T and Deutsche Telekom, is anticipated to reach $900 billion by 2032. Growth is fueled by diverse infrastructures, from fixed-line to satellite, addressing connectivity needs across residential and commercial sectors.

What’s New With Us?

Thanks for asking! Here’s what we’re up to:

• We are now a member of the Fiber Broadband Association. This means you’ll see us at a lot more of their events in the coming year!

• We were recently at a site visit with NICXCO in Denver - starting to get cold over there🥶

Got a topic you'd like to see us dive into? Reach out! Otherwise, we’ll see you in the next edition.