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Kitsap PUD Signs Agreement to Manage Open Access Network with COS Business Engine

Two businessmen seal a deal with a firm handshake, expressing mutual trust and agreement.

Paul Avis – Superintendent of Telecom Kitsap PUD and Bjorn Wannman – COS Systems

Washington Utility Expands Cooperation with COS Systems From Aggregating Demand for Fiber Using COS Service Zones to Also Managing Their Network And Subscribers Using Business and Operations Support System COS Business Engine

KITSAP COUNTY, Washington – KPUD (Kitsap Public Utility District) has been using COS Systems’ demand aggregation software COS Service Zones to survey the county, create community engagement and understand the desire for the deployment of a utility owned fiber optic network connecting the residents with gigabit speeds.

“We know there is a need for better broadband in our community, and after all positive responses we’ve received in COS Service Zones, we are confident that investing in high-speed broadband network expansion is necessary for our community, “ said Bob Hunter, General Manager at KPUD.

KPUD is one of 28 Public Utility Districts in Washington who have jointly built a fiber ring reaching almost every corner of the State and KPUD has continued to expand their fiber backbone within the county.

“With our extensive fiber backbone we are flexible in where we can deploy to residents, however, we need to understand where there is need and demand. Our approach using COS Service Zones splits the county up into small buildable neighborhood zones where we will set a target number of people to sign up in each neighborhood. If there are no technical difficulties, as zones reach the target we will extend our network in the order that is most cost effective and which will bring fiber first to those who want or need it most. At the same time this approach ensures that we deploy where we have a reasonable business case. We plan to spend our money wisely, “ said Hunter.

When moving into the residential market KPUD will do it with an Open Access model, which means they will provide the infrastructure while the services will be delivered by independent service providers, driving competition to the good of the residents.

“If you’re not happy with your current service, just go to the web portal and pick a new provider, “comments Paul Avis, Superintendent of Telecom at KPUD.

In broadband, Open Access is almost synonymous with Sweden where fiber networks have been deployed on big scale since the 90´s and where this model is dominating the market.

“Since we’re doing Open Access we found it natural to choose a partner who has been doing this on the most established market in the world for 10 years, “ Said Avis.

“The complexity in network operations increases dramatically when you open it up for multiple providers, but with the right system you can actually increase your efficiency. It’s all about ensuring a high data quality with built in validations and keeping track of all the moving parts, which our system COS Business Engine does extremely well, “ said Bjorn Wannman, International Business Developer at COS Systems.

The system is planned to be launched to the public in September, when residents in connected areas will be able to go to the website and shop for their Internet services as easy as buying apps on the Appstore.

“We have a big number of COS Service Zones customers in the US, but for us it’s a very important milestone when we now bring our network management solution to the market. We hope and believe our long experience in Open Access and our system COS Business Engine will play a significant role in their success as KPUD now moves into the FTTH (Fiber-To-The-Home) arena,” said Isak Finér, Chief Marketing Officer at COS Systems.

About COS Business Engine

COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution, supporting both single-provider and open-access networks. Subscribers buy their Internet services from an online marketplace, which increases take rates, ARPU, and customer satisfaction, as the network owner can offer 24/7 availability, while reaching maximum operations efficiency, thanks to the extensive use of self-service solutions.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

About Kitsap PUD

Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD ) is a municipal corporation in Washington State with incorporated boundaries parallel to Kitsap County. Our mission is building and strengthening communities through utility services. We are proud to be connecting residents of Kitsap County to each other, to local government, and to the world.

For additional information, contact:

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Paul Avis
Superintendent of Telecom
Kitsap PUD
(360) 626-7731
paul@kpud.org
www.kpud.org

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COS Service Zones shows public utility where to invest

KPUD logo - Kitsap Public Utility District.

 

Kitsap Public Utility District uses demand aggregation tool to validate demand before investing public funds in fiber infrastructure.

KITSAP COUNTY, Washington – Little more than a year ago, residents started informally inquiring with the Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) to explore whether the PUD could provide internet infrastructure, rather than relying on traditional telecom and cable providers who were not meeting the needs of this rural, mountainous region within commuting distance of Seattle.

“Kitsap PUD has been providing services to Anchor Institutions in Kitsap County for 15 years.  Recently residents have been inquiring on how they obtain access to this fiber to have quality and reliable high-speed broadband services at their homes,” recalled KPUD Superintendent of Telecom Paul Avis. “It has only been in the last year, with the FCC discussing open internet and Google Fiber, that we saw the extent of how unhappy residents were with their current services.” Case in point, “I live less than a half-mile from town,” Avis said, “and get less than 1 Mbps of service over a copper DSL line. Many residents can’t get any service at all.”

“As a government agency, we can’t rely on anecdotal data since we need to be responsible with public funds,” said Bob Hunter, General Manager at KPUD. “What’s most appealing with COS Service Zones is that it enables us to let the gathering and push of interest to come from the citizens. We want to be sure the residents are driving this.” COS Service Zones provides an effective framework for residents who are rallying for better service to have a greater role in gaining better Internet faster: “The system is very well designed and able to handle all the data and capture answers to the questions we have. Are people happy with current services? Where is the need? Do they want services from the PUD?” Hunter said. “The Champions aspect of Service Zones is going to be integral to our success: Not just in gathering information but in getting service to the residents.  The champions are able to explaining how it all works on a peer-to-peer basis, enabling PUD staffing to stay unchanged.”

“COS Service Zones enables the PUD to identify areas of need and want for open access telecommunications services and directs us to which neighborhoods to connect first, “ Avis said. “Because COS Systems’ technology enables self-service, once we’re deployed, we’ll be able to expand and continue to serve customers with minimal additional costs,” Avis said, describing the intent to continue working with the COS suite of products managing the day-to-day operations of the open-access network with COS Business Engine.

“If how COS Systems got involved is any indication,” notes COS’s Head of International Business Development Bjorn Wannman, “then it’s reasonable to expect that there is significant demand in Kitsap County. My first contact with this inspiring project was actually with a Kitsap resident, as a grassroots effort, who suggested we at COS connect with KPUD. This underscores the power of the community and its ability to engage; this is the very foundation of COS Service Zones.”

COS Chief Marketing Officer Isak Finér adds, “This is one of the most promising big-scale open-access projects in the US right now. They already have the backbone fiber infrastructure in the ground, and they know there is a great demand among the residents. With the right tool now in their hands to aggregate this demand and guide them to where they can confidently deploy to already committed customers, I’m positive this project will get a flying start and be a long-term success bringing new jobs and a higher quality of life to Kitsap County residents.”

About COS Service Zones

“Build it, and they will come?” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber – with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other – then chasing customers.

  1. Draw multiple competing zones across your city or town.
  2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
  3. Deploy, once target take rate is reached, to accelerate profitability.

Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, and no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers.  Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

About Kitsap PUD

Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) is a municipal corporation in Washington State with incorporated boundaries parallel to Kitsap County. Our mission is building and strengthening communities through utility services.  We are proud to be connecting residents of Kitsap County to each other, to local government, and to the world.

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Paul Avis
Superintendent of Telecom
Kitsap PUD
(360) 626-7731
Paul@KPUD.org
KPUD.org

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Infiniti Broadband Selects COS Service Zones

COS System’s Demand Aggregation Platform COS Service Zones will Enable Infiniti Broadband to Survey Communities and Pre-sell Services in Order to Determine Optimal Roll-Out Order of Their Fixed Wireless Network.

Infinity broadband chooses COS Service Zones

Johnie Johnson, Infiniti Broadband, Bjorn Wannman, COS Systems, Gregg Iser, Infiniti Broadband

Louisville, KY – In WISPA’s (Wireless Internet Service Providers Association) spring meeting, WISPAmerica, Infiniti Broadband announced they selected COS Service Zones to aggregate demand for their future network build-outs. Infiniti Broadband has set out to deliver state of the art fixed wireless LTE broadband services in underserved top major markets, medium-sized cities and rural areas. Their services will first be launched in selected US markets, but the ambition is to rapidly expand into more US states and the Caribbean.

“Our ambition is to deliver best-in-class services and solutions to the rural areas, which are frequently overlooked” said Johnie Johnson, President and CEO of Infiniti Broadband.

“Our decision is based on two major factors; use COS Service Zones to survey the targeted communities and sign up customers. If we ask the residents to show us where they want our services, we will be able to deliver great broadband where the need is greatest. It also enables us to expand faster, as we know our ROI is achieved when we deploy our network where enough subscribers have committed to our service which helps justify the build-out.”

Johnie Johnson, President and CEO of Infiniti Broadband

“We are thrilled to work with Infiniti Broadband to connect rural America. Their leadership has extensive experience of the industry and a firm plan for a rapid expansion. We are very proud to be part of that plan”

said Bjorn Wannman, International Business Developer at COS Systems.

The COS Service Zones platform will enable residents and businesses to locate their community’s zone on the web based platform at infiniti.servicezones.net, where they will see how many people are needed to reach the take-rate threshold for their zone to qualify for Infiniti’s final assessment prior to build-out. The platform will also be open for survey takers from any location within the selected states, so that anyone wanting better broadband can indicate their interest. If Infiniti finds enough interest in a specific location it will be added to the list of communities competing to get enough subscribers pre-signed to justify a network build-out.

“It’s really up to the people out there in rural America to show us where they want our services the most”, concludes Johnson.

“We know we have a great platform for demand aggregation which is proven by the customers already signed up in half of all US states. But Infiniti’s project is the first of this magnitude, where entire states are targeted. We are very excited to see COS Service Zones execute on this large scale and to be part of this journey where the rural communities will have the opportunity to get access to next generation connectivity,”

Isak Finér, CMO at COS Systems.

About Infiniti Broadband

Infiniti Broadband: a nationwide provider of fixed wireless broadband services. Infiniti Broadband, based out of Tulsa, OK, will launch services throughout the United States and Caribbean in 2016 and will expand rapidly into many top major markets, medium sized cities and rural areas. In addition to its state of the art Broadband Services, Infiniti Broadband provides technology CORE hosting services and resale of equipment to medium and small technology companies in an effort to expedite speed to market and meet and exceed customer demands.

About COS Systems

COS Systems is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

About COS Service Zones

“Build it, and they will come?” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out broadband networks – with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other – then chasing customers.

  1. Draw multiple competing zones across your city or town.
  2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
  3. Deploy, once target take-rate is reached, to accelerate profitability.

Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful build-outs, and no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

For additional information, contact:

Johnie Johnson

Infiniti Broadband

918-861-0303

jj@infinitibroadband.com

Isak Finér
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com

infinity_logo

 

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Ideatek Recieves Quick Payback With COS Service Zones

Connecting Kansas with High-Speed Fiber - Ideatek

Ideatek is a Kansas fiber provider using COS Service Zones to deliver high-speed internet to customers when they want it.

Customers showed a demand for broadband, and Ideatek is meeting that demand providing an ultra fast, reliable internet service, using a win-win system.

BUHLER, KANSAS – The self-described “Rural Kansas geeks” at Ideatek have been helping customers access the web at desired speeds since the team started in the market in 1999. All across Kansas, businesses and private consumers seek fiber connectivity as soon as possible, and Service Zones™ is helping Ideatek discover and meet that demand. Customers in urban areas and in rural communities are turning to Ideatek for fiber connectivity, expanding the company’s market and increasing access statewide at the same time.

Connecting Kansas with High-Speed Fiber - Ideatek

Read more

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Vumatel Credits COS Service Zones in BBC Magazine

“We could take Service Zones out of the box and make it work on day one. All we needed to do was add data, and we were off and running.”

Fast-growing South African firm says in Broadband Communities Magazine that COS Service Zones has made the search for customers in neighborhoods smarter and has boosted the company’s growth

Wanting to get away from the “build it and they will come” model of fiber-deployment, Vumatel used COS Systems Service Zones to pinpoint areas in communities across South Africa where demand was high. It’s been a critical part of the firm’s expansion in areas that have been underserved when it comes to Internet speed for years. Vumatel has already engaged more than 42 gated communities and suburbs in Johannesburg and Cape Town using Service Zones. Vumatel CEO Neil Schoeman aims to bring fiber to 200,000 homes in just a few years.

“We are incredibly pleased Vumatel has found COS to be so instrumental in its growth. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with the ambitious firm, and we thank them for sharing their experiences in the BBC.”

says CMO Isak Finér. Read more

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Sonic Brings Fiber to Brentwood With COS Service Zones

COS Service Zones enables Sonic to create buzz and aggregate demand for high-speed fiber in Bay Area

BRENTWOOD, California – COS Systems, a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern fiber today announced that Sonic, the largest independent ISP in Northern California, deployed COS Service Zones as part of its plan to build out Gigabit Fiber-to-the-Home Internet in the City of Brentwood, California. Sonic selected COS Service Zones for its ability to document demand, engage community leaders, and assess potential subscribers’ current Internet access speeds and desired services.

Sonic verifies communities’ demand for Gigabit Fiber Internet through the COS Service Zones Zone Analyzer. Targeted neighborhood-by-neighborhood surveys help Sonic understand future subscribers’ willingness to purchase Internet service, analyzing which neighborhoods have the most densely packed interest. Potential subscribers are also able to check the rate of interest in their neighborhood and receive updates about the build-out from Sonic.

COS Service Zones enables Sonic to engage with the Brentwood community and rally them for a fiber network. Sonic recruits and mobilizes “champions” who volunteer to spread the word about Sonic’s Gigabit Fiber Internet to increase their neighborhood’s level of interest. Through the software’s functionality, Sonic is able to send materials to champions and communicate via email with updates and events.

“Sonic is one of the most respected ISPs in the U.S. with a long history of delivering Internet connectivity at fair prices with great customer service,” said Isak Finér, Chief Marketing Officer, COS Systems.

“We are proud that a company with such vast experience and dedication to great customer service has chosen our solution to support them as they now move into the Gigabit fiber business. With COS being a young and up-and-coming company, we love working with ambitious entrepreneurs such as Dane Jasper and the Sonic team.”

About COS Service Zones

“Build it, and they will come?” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber – with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other – then chasing customers.

  1. Draw multiple competing zones across your city or town.
  2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
  3. Deploy, once target take rate is reached, to accelerate profitability.

Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, and no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern fiber networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com and the new innovative product COS Service Zones.

About Sonic

Based in Santa Rosa, Sonic is the largest independent ISP in Northern California, with a mission to offer every home and business in America access to fast, affordable Internet and home phone service. Sonic was one of the first ISPs to build Gigabit Fiber Internet networks in the U.S. and continues to lead the way in making new access and hosting solutions available to the public. For more information about Sonic please email pr@sonic.com.

 

For additional information, contact:

Tara Sharp Sonic
707-522-1000
pr@sonic.com		 Isak Finér
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

 

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Blandin Foundation Finds Fiber Demand With COS Service Zones

landscape with a fiber network or broadband infrastructure being deployed, symbolizing the efforts of Blandin Foundation and COS Service Zones™ to bring high-speed Internet access to rural areas.

Branded website helps make the case for fiber in rural Itasca County

In the very rural areas surrounding Grand Rapids, Blandin hopes to help lure infrastructure investment by collecting data in COS Service Zones™ surveys.

ITASCA COUNTY, MINNESOTA – In rural Itasca County, Minnesota, many residents lack the high-speed Internet access they need to stay connected and power their businesses. The Blandin Foundation wants to help. Using COS Service Zones™, the foundation is supporting county efforts to pinpoint demand and help to rally communities around fiber.

Read more

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