As fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments accelerate worldwide, telecom leaders are grappling with a crucial question: is the traditional turnkey model the best approach going forward? Many small and large fiber companies are indeed moving away from turnkey providers that handle every project aspect, opting instead for direct sourcing of specialized vendors.

This shift reveals an important trend in the industry. So what's driving fiber providers to reevaluate turnkey services? And what advantages are they finding in direct sourcing models? Let's explore the key reasons behind this strategic change.

Greater Control Over Quality and Customization For many fiber providers, the appeal of direct sourcing lies in the increased control over each stage of the deployment. Turnkey solutions package every project component—planning, engineering, project management, and construction—under a single provider's oversight. While this structure centralizes management, it also limits your control over individual project phases and their unique requirements.

In contrast, direct sourcing enables you to select specialized vendors for each part of the project, ensuring that each phase is handled by an expert who can provide the specific level of customization your deployment needs. For instance, you might choose:

• An engineering firm with deep experience in local jurisdictions for navigating the permitting process efficiently

• A construction team with a proven track record in high-quality fiber builds

• A project management firm that excels at field oversight and dynamic scheduling

This approach allows for more detailed oversight, giving providers the flexibility to adjust plans, timelines, and priorities as the project progresses.

This approach allows for more detailed oversight, giving providers the flexibility to adjust plans, timelines, and priorities as the project progresses.

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