Since I started my role as Channel Sales Development Manager, I have been working with several Ordnance Survey (OS) Channel Partners who have also been developing applications and solutions on top of OS location data to help the broadband industry overcome some of the key challenges the sector faces.
Future Proofing the UK’s internet demand
44% of UK workers work remotely in 2023 says the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
That’s almost half of the UK workers, and the organisations employing them, relying upon strong and reliable internet connection in the home. One of the challenges, however, is satisfying and future proofing the other 56% of the UK’s internet demand for full fibre broadband and reliable Wi-Fi connections.
To that end, in April 2022 the British government announced Project Gigabit: a £5billion investment in delivering super-fast broadband to homes and businesses across the UK. The project focused on the challenge of helping homes and businesses within rural and remote communities across the UK, as well as tackling pockets of poor connectivity in urban areas.
Ordnance Survey location intelligence helping to strengthen connectivity to homes and businesses.
OS was asked to help model the roll-out plan in rural areas, by government agency Building Digital UK (BDUK). Location data showing roads and paths was combined with OS datasets on addressing, routes and buildings and integrated with the BDUK’s data to provide a reliable and accurate picture of where people are.
The solution enables the BDUK and broadband suppliers to make smarter and more viable planning and installation decisions to deliver increased connectivity to their subscribers and guarantee that more premises across the UK have access to fast, dependable, and stable connectivity.
The integration of OS and BDUK data thereby helping to strengthen the connectivity between homes and business, across the UK.
Ofcom wants to deliver faster, better internet.
Ordnance Survey location data also gives Ofcom an accurate picture of where people are, and what services are available in various parts of the UK – to help make communications work for everyone.
Having a clear picture of the coverage and performance of the UK’s networks is crucial to its work in helping bring better broadband and mobile services to people. Using OS location data helps provide the detail about broadband services available to various parts of the country. It also means detailed data – offering people, businesses, and other agencies an insight into how broadband services compare across the UK.
Working with OS location intelligence including UPRN’s (Unique Property Reference Numbers) has given Ofcom the ability to identify ‘service delivery addresses.’ This improved data matching between customers and services providers, and the ability to accurately assess mobile and internet connectivity for all UK homes and businesses.
The digital revolution
Project Gigabit and the privatised fibre rollout in the UK is moving quickly. On top of the work already completed, to ensure that the project runs smoothly, OS can also support with various subsequent challenges that service providers may encounter. Quality data like that supplied to BDUK can support telcos, long into the future.
Our data and geospatial insights can be used as the building blocks for solutions such as coverage maps, a real-time asset view, customer connections analysis, and more.
Using OS data, incumbent and alternative network providers can focus on delivering an improved and efficient service that will also result in improved customer satisfaction, operational efficiencies, and support in delivering all important revenue for future investment and business growth opportunities.
OS has been constructing innovative ways to use and access location data so we can get to a gigabit-connected Britain promptly, and in a sustainable way. Whether it is asset management, accurately understanding property classifications such as multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and complex sites, or monetising a service provider’s own data, OS geospatial data solutions will provide continuous support in our rapidly evolving digital world.
Get in touch
Contact me using the details below, to discover the wealth of data and expertise available within the OS Channel Partner network. These organisations will help you and your business meet your challenges around project planning, asset management, the ever-increasing needs of sustainability and driving towards being net zero.
Scott Somenthal, Channel Sales Development Manager
Email: scott.somenthal@os.uk | T: +44 23 8005 5230 | M: +44 (0)7425 634575
