BT maps its infrastructure

BT is working to digtially map its copper networks, fibre, telephone exchanges and phone boxes, creating a single interactive map of its infrastructure deployments.

In the past the telecoms giant has relied on a combination of electronic and paper materials for tracking its networks. Engineers wishing to plan and conduct works would often consult several documents at once, including hand-drawn diagrams.

The project is being tested in north London between Watford and Upminster, an area that encompasses 72 exchanges and 1.5 million customer lines. Following a six-month evaluation period, BT plans to expand the scheme to cover the rest of London – and eventually the whole country.

Once completed, the new system will allow workers to customise a map of the UK, showing the precise location of every cable and communications exchange. This increased visibility will help BT to plan, monitor and maintain its networks more efficiently, said programme director Derek Hewins.

"We will effectively have a sat nav of the BT network; a geographical representation of our poles, ducts, fibre, copper – anything that we have in the ground," said Hewins.

"Everything that connects 22 million businesses and homes in the UK can appear on this system. This is a national solution, and will probably hold one of the largest inventories of its kind in the country."

The visual representation of BT's records can be viewed by anyone on the company's intranet, allowing all employees simultaneous access to the same materials. The systems map highlights areas that are being worked on, a feature that opens the door for collaboration on specific building sites.

And while BT will clearly benefit from a broader, more accurate view of its networks, the rest of the UK also stands to gain.

"Fault-repair times will be much quicker," said Hewins.

"We will have the information to send engineers to the right place, equipped with the right data and gear to fix the faults within the required lead times."

See also:

ITV builds digital archive for on-demand TV

The new BT platform will help the broadcaster deliver online video around the world  15 Apr 2008

Forward thinking at BT

As BT continues a transformation that aims to improve customer relations, chief information officer Al-Noor Ramji is looking ahead to what employees and customers can expect from the dramatic changes. Martin Courtney reports  10 Apr 2008

Data watchdog to keep an eye on BT's Phorm trial

Information Commissioner's Office wants experts to scrutinise the technology  07 Apr 2008

Social networking joins up BT

Telecoms giant uses collaboration tools to boost team working  03 Apr 2008

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