When AllPoints Fibre Networks (APFN) was formed by bringing together Swish Fibre, Jurassic Fibre, Giganet and AllPoints Fibre, we didn’t just merge footprints and teams. We also inherited multiple networks each with its own architecture, data challenges and ways of working.
The result? A patchwork of network information, systems and processes that didn’t quite fit together.
The challenge was obvious: how do you bring all that together into one seamless operation without losing momentum or impacting customers?
That’s where our partnership with VETRO came in.
The Challenge
Each of the four ISPs had its own setup. Which meant we were faced with:
Four different GIS platforms, network topologies and server architectures
Network records that weren’t fully digitised
Differing premise availability logic and serviceability systems
Inconsistent reporting mechanisms
The huge task of migrating all data from legacy systems with no room for integrity loss
Without a central, reliable source of truth, the risks were obvious: delays, inefficiencies, and potential disruption.
"The operational complexity of merging four different network architectures was immense. We needed a single, trusted source of truth to make sense of our combined infrastructure."
The Solution
Working closely with VETRO, we built a unified fibre management platform — a single, trusted record of our network. Together we:
Created a new instance on Vetro with a standardised single geospatial data schema and newly architected modules to handle the different network nuances.
Fully digitised the network including fibre splicing and cable containerisation so we could trace fibre paths from OLT to ONT.
Standardised premise availability rules ahead of integrating into a single operational system.
Cleaned and aligned data to unlock Vetro’s inbuilt reporting and API functionality, including duct (PIA), cable, splicing, and circuit reports. to support regulatory submissions.
Designed an ETL process to safely migrate data from multiple legacy GIS and database sources.
The result was one system that underpins day to day operations and gives us full clarity on our priorities.
"We didn't just guess what the industry needed; we actively sought out the challenges, the pain points, and the aspirations of network builders. This direct feedback loop has allowed us to build a platform from the ground up, specifically designed to address the complexities and demands of modern fibre network management."
The Impact
The benefits quickly showed:
- Consolidated geospatial data ready for migration, and operational support system (OSS)integration testing.
- Streamlined monitoring and maintenance workflows across teams like PIA and Network operations.
- More accurate address data leading to a smoother experience for customers and faster provisioning
- Strategic decisions could be made backed by real-time information
- A single, trusted source of truth for the entire network.
And this work went further than solving immediate challenges. It created the foundation for growth and scalability, and the launch of aquila, our wholesale platform that makes it easier for service providers across the UK to deliver high-quality connectivity.
As our Managing Director, Ronan Kelly, has set out, this is just the start of our ambition to shake up the UK wholesale connectivity market — with transparency, automation and service experience at the heart of what we do.
"This consolidation wasn't just about growth; it was about smart growth. VETRO's platform gave us the governance and scalability to confidently integrate future acquisitions and maximize our long-term capital efficiency."
Recognition
Our partnership with VETRO is now up for industry recognition. We’ve been shortlisted together for the ISPA Award for Best Technology Partnership, with the winners being announced on 13th November.
Whatever happens on the night, we’re proud of what we’ve built together — and even prouder of what it unlocks for the future.
About VETRO
At VETRO, our vision is to empower network operators to master escalating complexities and lead the charge in defining the future of global connectivity. Our Network Infrastructure Management and Orchestration Platform is the cornerstone for building future-ready infrastructure, transforming the entire lifecycle of physical network assets. By establishing a cohesive system of record and enabling intelligent, automated workflows, we empower our clients to move beyond legacy systems, unlock efficiencies, deploy advanced technologies, and connect more communities to the digital world faster than ever before. vetrofibermap.com
