The Intelligent Edge
In 2020 CTC experienced the largest increase in Internet usage in our cooperative’s history. Regardless of a global pandemic, our members continue to find new opportunities to utilize the service: whether it’s virtual reality, IoT, telemedicine, remote work, distance learning, or business expansion. The increased demand puts a strain on networks and “instant performance” is increasingly expected from our members. Providers have an opportunity to utilize the intelligent edge to deliver extraordinary member experiences while simplifying network elements, reducing expenses, streamlining efficiencies, and improving reliability. Along with our partners, our goal is to use the Intelligent Edge to solve our members problems before they know they have a problem.
Fiber
Over the last 16 years CTC has deployed a 100% fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network to over 30,000 homes and businesses in Minnesota, providing our membership with the fastest, most reliable network available today. For the past 5 years CTC has also partnered with electric cooperatives, municipalities, and tribal governments, to develop technology solutions and deploy FTTP services to their members. During 2021 we will continue to focus on helping our partners while growing and expanding our own fiber network.
I think there are innovative opportunities for existing networks, especially as it pertains to multi-dwelling units. Over the last 10 years we’ve refined the installation process for multi-tenant spaces and have found that fiber to each individual living space is a viable option — one that could provide additional business growth. Gone are the days of using existing four conductor wire to provide DSL speeds. FTTU may be the new FTTP.