Effectively managing passive infrastructure to tap into emerging markets

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The global telecommunications landscape is experiencing an intriguing shift. While mature markets grapple with optimising existing networks, a new wave of growth is surging in emerging economies. However, unlike established regions with well-developed networks, emerging markets face a distinct set of challenges. Building the necessary passive infrastructure in telecom – the towers, masts, shelters, and power systems that underpin telecom networks – is one particularly complex endeavour.

For instance, the ITU, the United Nations specialised agency for digital technology, prepared a special report on connectivity in landlocked developing countries (LLDC), a group of 32 nations whose remoteness severely constrain overall socio-economic development. But, despite these economic realities, the ITU found that mobile cellular subscriptions averaged 85 per 100 inhabitants, relatively close to the world average of 111. Meanwhile, GSMA reports that 5G is expected to contribute $11 billion to the Sub-Saharan African economy by 2030.

Subsequently, network operators are making significant infrastructure investments to meet this burgeoning demand in previously untapped territories. However, ensuring these investments are sustainable will require careful planning. Here, we’ll explore the unique hurdles posed by challenging terrains and logistical constraints while highlighting best practices, ensuring robust and reliable passive infrastructure in telecom on this fertile ground.

What is the difference between passive and active infrastructure?

For the benefit of those without a background in telecom engineering, we’ll briefly define the difference between active and passive infrastructure in telecom. Passive systems consist of components that do not require electrical power to operate and do not amplify or process signals. They simply transmit or receive signals as is. Examples include cables, connectors and traditional antennas.

While passive infrastructure in telecom doesn’t actively generate or process signals, it is crucial to network deployment and operation. In contrast, active telecommunications systems include equipment and components that require electrical power to operate and can amplify, process, or modify signals. Examples include routers, switches, amplifiers and power supplies.

These fundamental differences in the equipment involved are laid out in this reference table below.

Feature	What equipment is passive infrastructure?	What equipment is active infrastructure?
Nature of components	Non-electronic (physical structures, power systems, cabling)	Electronic
Examples	Towers, masts, buildings, shelters, power systems, cables, ducts	Antennas, base stations, switches, routers, power supplies
Function	Support and house active equipment and provide pathways for signal transmission.	Generate, process and transmit signals, enabling communication and data transfer.

The challenges associated with deploying and maintaining passive infrastructure in telecom

Emerging markets are fertile ground for telecommunications growth, but building and maintaining the necessary passive infrastructure is a complex balancing act. While active infrastructure, the electronic nervous system of telecom networks, also faces challenges – such as technological complexity and the need for constant upgrades – the unique hurdles passive infrastructure faces in emerging markets cannot be overlooked. 

Harsh climates, from scorching heat to torrential rains, can quickly degrade towers, shelters and cables not designed for such extremes. Rugged terrain, sprawling cities and remote villages pose logistical nightmares for transporting materials and accessing sites for repairs. At the same time, natural disasters like earthquakes and floods can wipe out months of progress in mere hours.

Limited infrastructure further complicates matters. Inadequate roads and power grids hinder construction and maintenance efforts, while supply chain disruptions can cause projects to stall due to a lack of skilled labour or essential components. Financial constraints are another major hurdle. Governments and operators often must negotiate limited budgets, forcing them to seek innovative financing models and forge partnerships. 

Even with funding, land acquisition, permits and imported equipment, costs can skyrocket due to economic and regulatory complexities. Navigating the bureaucratic maze can be a time-consuming and costly affair. Lengthy approval processes and policy uncertainties can deter investors and delay projects for months or years. Additionally, security risks for passive infrastructure in telecom loom large, with theft and vandalism targeting vulnerable components like cables and batteries, especially in remote areas with limited protection.

Overcoming these obstacles requires a multifaceted approach combining innovative engineering solutions, robust logistical planning, and strategic partnerships to ensure the reliable and resilient telecommunications networks essential for economic growth and social development in these dynamic regions.

How to reduce passive infrastructure faults and failures

A multi-pronged strategy is essential to mitigating passive infrastructure faults and failures in emerging markets. High-quality, durable components that withstand harsh environmental and mechanical stresses should be a top priority. This includes selecting cables and conduits designed for specific climatic conditions and ensuring proper installation techniques, such as burying cables at the correct depth and using protective conduits.

Regular maintenance and inspections are equally crucial. By scheduling routine checks, potential weak points can be identified and rectified before they escalate into major faults. Innovative technologies like drones and robotics can be employed to access hard-to-reach areas for inspection, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the infrastructure’s health.

A holistic approach is also crucial, integrating faults in passive infrastructure in telecom into a broader predictive maintenance and field force management system. Standardised marking of laid fibre, using coloured markings above trenches, can aid identification and repair. Ensuring proper trench depth and water and shock isolation for manholes are additional measures that significantly enhance the infrastructure’s resilience.

The use of high-quality materials and the strategic incorporation of redundancy to create multiple backup pathways in case of failure cannot be overstated. Protective housing equipped with intrusion alerts can deter theft and vandalism, while properly trained and regularly monitored installation staff ensures adherence to quality standards. Meticulous documentation, combined with regular monitoring and proactive replacement of ageing components, can further extend the lifespan of the infrastructure.

Finally, a continuous cycle of training, education and feedback loops is essential. Selecting the best vendors for maintenance and investing in ongoing learning fosters a culture of excellence in passive infrastructure maintenance. However, merely saying that choosing the ‘best’ the region has to offer could be seen as somewhat of an empty statement. The real meat of the issue lies in ensuring that your vendors are best in class. This is the issue that we’ll address next. 

How to deploy best-in-class vendors to fix faults

Quality begins at the outset. The foundation of efficient fault resolution lies in selecting the right vendor, which starts with a rigorous Request for Proposal (RFP) within which cost and quality hold equal weight. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) should incentivise vendors to exceed performance targets, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Regular monitoring is key to ensuring consistent adherence to these standards.

Transparency is paramount. Clearly defined quality metrics, well-structured SLAs, and Operating Level Agreements (OLAs) are all essential components of a comprehensive fault management system. By prioritising quality, fostering collaboration and leveraging experience, operators and their partners in emerging markets can build reliable and resilient telecommunications networks that withstand anything the terrain throws at them. 

That said, it’s important to emphasise that transparency goes both ways. Vendors should openly share their internal processes and quality control mechanisms, provide a comprehensive inventory of their tools, and demonstrate the expertise and certifications of their staff. Establishing clear channels for communication, including escalation procedures, and maintaining close joint monitoring of SLAs build trust and ensure issues are addressed promptly. Beyond technical capabilities, it’s crucial to assess a vendor’s ability to scale alongside the operator’s growth and adapt to the unique challenges of emerging markets. In the end, a partnership goes both ways if it is to be successful.

Experience matters. Proven expertise in managing large-scale fibre deployments and working with clients demanding high-quality service is a valuable asset. Successful fault management is not just about technical skills; it involves creating a collaborative environment where all stakeholders understand the issues and their urgency and where expertise and innovation combine to overcome any challenge. 

This collaborative approach, underpinned by transparency, clear communication, and a focus on quality, is the key to building robust and resilient telecommunications networks that drive digital transformation in emerging markets. These actions will play a central role in bridging the digital divide and, ultimately, fostering economic growth.

Spreading the wealth

As they say, sharing is caring – and when it comes to passive infrastructure in telecom, it could be profitable, too. Companies with existing passive infrastructure, like towers and fibre optic cables, are increasingly opening their doors to competitors, transforming these assets into valuable revenue streams. This shift is particularly impactful in emerging markets, where building new infrastructure can be costly and time-consuming.

Technically, best practice involves implementing open-access frameworks. By leasing out unused capacity, these companies not only generate income but also foster a more competitive landscape. New entrants can quickly deploy services without the burden of building their networks, leading to faster market penetration and potentially lower consumer costs. Meanwhile, established players can offset their investment costs and focus on service innovation rather than infrastructure development. However, successful open access requires standardised interfaces between different operators’ equipment.

Best practices for passive infrastructure access in emerging markets extend beyond physical access to towers, ducts and dark fibre. They encompass a comprehensive approach that addresses both technical and regulatory aspects, ensuring efficient resource utilisation while promoting competition and innovation. Equally, transparent pricing models should ensure fair and equitable access.

On the regulatory front, best practice involves creating a conducive environment for open access to flourish. This includes establishing clear and enforceable regulations that govern access terms, pricing, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Regulators must balance encouraging investment in infrastructure and preventing monopolistic practices. They should also promote transparency in the allocation of resources and ensure that access is granted in a non-discriminatory manner. Naturally, industry lobbyists will play a key role in making this happen.

Paving the way for a connected future in emerging markets.

The journey towards robust and reliable telecommunications networks in emerging markets is fraught with challenges yet ripe with opportunity. While the allure of untapped markets is undeniable, success hinges on addressing the unique complexities of deploying and maintaining passive infrastructure in these diverse regions.

By embracing a holistic approach that prioritises quality, collaboration and innovation, operators can overcome these hurdles and build networks that withstand not only the tests of time and terrain but also the demands of the digital age. Whether through meticulous maintenance, strategic partnerships with best-in-class vendors, or the adoption of open-access frameworks, the goal remains the same: to empower emerging markets with the connectivity they need to thrive in the 21st century.

This collaborative approach promotes more efficient use of resources, reducing duplication and environmental impact. It’s a win-win situation where shared infrastructure benefits companies, consumers and the environment. Ultimately, it’s about more than just towers and cables; it’s about building a connected future where access to information and communication is not a luxury but a fundamental right that empowers individuals, communities and economies to reach their full potential.

Connect with professionals with regional expertise

Navigating the complexities of passive infrastructure deployment and maintenance in emerging markets requires specialised expertise. To ensure the success of your telecommunications projects, partner with consultants with a deep understanding of these unique challenges and can provide tailored solutions. 

The Outvise network places particular emphasis on the telecoms space. With over 40,000 Business Tech professionals located worldwide, there’s a profile to fit your project. Don’t let infrastructure challenges hold back your growth. Connect with experts today and unlock the full potential of passive infrastructure in telecom.