Avoid Government-Funded Overbuilds Using cnHeat with Integrated BDC

By Cambium Networks   August 16, 2022

What was once considered impossible is now easy.

Last week, I shared how Cambium Networks listened to Wireless ISP (WISP) operators to develop our CBRS solutions and added Broadband Data Collection (BDC) capabilities to the cnHeat™ heatmapping planning system. This week, Kurt Fankhauser, President of Wavelinc, a WISP with 1,200 subscribers in Ohio, shares his experience using cnHeat technology.

Faced with reporting BDC results to the FCC, Kurt reports, “There was no way I would have been able to go through and look at all these addresses – it would be physically impossible. cnHeat makes it easy with a very minimal amount of work.”

There is much more to the story than reporting data. As a result of providing proof that these customers are connected with fixed wireless broadband using the 3 GHz CBRS licensed spectrum, the area is considered “served” with reliable connectivity. Therefore, this coverage area is not eligible for government-funded fiber overbuilds. Wavelinc can continue to offer great service at affordable prices to subscribers.

In doing the data collection, cnHeat also identified specific net new subscriber addresses where connectivity is possible, providing insights where Wavelinc can offer 25, 50 and 100 Mbps service plans. Precise data from cnHeat removes the risk of “trial and error” installations, making sure that each installation is done right and delivers connectivity that pleases the subscriber the first time, every time.

Because cnHeat uses LIDAR data, the system provides information with 1-meter precision. Fankhauser says, “In the past, with form 477 reporting, precision didn’t really matter because it was just based on census block data. BDC is so much more precise down to the individual address served. We had to get something way more accurate. There’s nothing else I have found that’s able to do what cnHeat is doing.”

Find out for yourself how cnHeat can change your business:

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