Lightcurve (formerly Rainier Connect) selected Tilson to design a major expansion of their fiber optic network in Tacoma, Washington. The expansion plan involved engineering approximately 2,750 miles of fiber optic cables to premises connecting roughly 163,000 homes and businesses, vastly improving internet accessibility in the region. Tilson played a crucial role in determining the expansion area, ensuring that the deployment was efficient and aligned with Lightcurve’s objectives for coverage and cost-effectiveness.
Lightcurve sought assistance in identifying the most economically viable areas for their network expansion within the target regions. In collaboration with Lightcurve, Tilson determined that analyzing per-mile costs for both aerial and underground construction, as well as conducting a cost-per-passing analysis, would be critical for developing the expansion plan.
Tilson’s Consulting Engineering team developed a method known as “Cost Density Analysis” to support Lightcurve’s expansion project. The cost metrics used in the Cost Density Analysis were derived from traditional high-level designs (HLDs) that were generated using advanced design software and guided by Tilson’s Consulting Engineering team. By inputting key cost metrics into the analysis, Tilson generated an easy-to-read heat map that identified the most cost-effective areas for network construction.
Together with the outputs from the Cost Density Analysis and high-level designs, Tilson developed build cost models using additional geospatial data. This approach resulted in a detailed cost-per-passing heat map, highlighting the optimal build areas and ensuring network continuity while adhering to economic feasibility thresholds.
With its experienced in-house engineering and construction teams, Tilson provides a full range of services for telecom projects, from initial design through to construction and beyond, combining expert network design with innovative analytical solutions.
Tilson’s Engineering and Broadband Consulting teams specialize in planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining broadband internet networks for states, public entities, and private organizations. Our team also provides expert guidance through the federal funding process, including programs like BEAD, to facilitate widespread internet access for all Americans.
Choose Tilson as your partner for comprehensive network planning, from high-level designs and precise cost estimates to strategic telecom consulting. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.