AMSTERDAM, Netherlands 08 October 2012 - Fibre rollout could be significantly accelerated by using automated OTDR monitoring to verify PON installations during rollout, resulting in better quality PON networks at lower cost, according to Frank Kaufhold, Managing Director of UTEL.

“Most network operators only think about automating their repair process when massive benefits can be had, using automated tools to police the installation process would result in increases in quality, efficiency and cost,’’ said Kaufhold. “Currently, skilled technicians drive around the country with hand held OTDRs trying to locate fibre breaks. This is expensive and ineffective. If this process could be centralised to a contact centre, fewer operatives would do the same job much quicker. The business impact of this is quite mind-boggling.”

Kaufhold‘s company, UTEL, has developed the technology to make this happen with an OTDR monitoring system called Fast Light. It is the first of its kind, with the ability to see through 128 to 1 splitters without needing to install wavelength dependent mirrors in front of every customer’s ONT costing 20 Euros each. The saving for a million customers would equal 20 Million Euros, which could be spent on the expansion of the fibre network itself.

“Before we achieved this, everyone thought that it was impossible. It opens up new and previously impossible business models for operators and service providers. Fast Light addresses a global problem set and will be offered globally in conjunction with selected partners,” Kaufhold added.

When a PON goes down, the service providers call centre will be flooded with calls. With this new technology, the first call will result in a Fast Light test, which will locate the fault.  Most importantly, Fast Light will identify all of the other customers affected. When the other customers phone the call centre the transaction time can be minimised, as the fault is already detected and being fixed.

For more information about Fast Light visit stand A11 at Broadband World Forum or go to www.UTEL.co.uk/fastlight.php.