Case Study
UST accelerates 10G backhaul upgrades for U.S. telco, leading to efficient vendor performance and superior network reliability
OUR CLIENT
This client is a prominent wireless network operator in the United States known for its extensive 5G network, competitive pricing, and customer-centric approach. The company provides a range of voice, messaging, data services, and high-speed connectivity to millions of customers nationwide.
THE CHALLENGE
Vendor coordination and accountability issues during transport network upgrade delayed 5G deployment
The client faced the challenge of accelerating a 5G network deployment through transport network upgrades in the Dallas, TX market. It needed a partner to manage alternative access vendors (AAV) to achieve circuit-ready, room-ready status and to perform cable swaps and rehome work to improve network performance and capacity. This involved managing multiple vendors for circuit provisioning, room preparation, and cable work while improving vendor accountability and service level agreement (SLAs) adherence. The goal was to optimize network resource allocation based on real-time data and completed operational tasks on a unified dashboard.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Transport network AAV upgrade boosts 10G backhaul capacity and exceeds SLA performance
UST managed the transport network AAV upgrade, enhancing 10G backhaul service capacity. The team arranged, managed, and held AAVs accountable as per their call and operations management commitments, driving circuit delivery and room readiness to meet deliverables and timelines. This included performing nearly 500 cable moves, conducting committed information rate (CIR) burst tests, and completing approximately 500 rehomes for upgraded 10G backhaul. Collaboration across regional, network, and market teams allowed for project recalibration based on physical hardware upgrades and outages, optimizing network resource allocation. Additionally, sanity checks were conducted using Salesforce workflows, and the Anuta ATOM network automation platform identified and addressed missed or stalled tasks, ensuring seamless task management and gap identification. This comprehensive approach facilitated vendor management and accountability for circuit readiness, room readiness, and cable swap/rehome tasks.
THE IMPACT
Enhanced 10G backhaul capacity thanks to efficient vendor management
The transport network AAV upgrade enabled the Dallas market to reach its 10G backhaul goals, such as:
- Achieved approximately 300 circuit deliveries and nearly 400 room preparations by AAV vendors—exceeding established SLAs and enhancing overall network readiness
- Executed nearly 500 cable moves and CIR burst tests across the Dallas market—streamlining logistics and improving network performance
- Completed approximately 600 site rehomes for 10G backhaul upgrades—ensuring optimal network capacity and coverage
- Exceeded established SLAs for vendor performance—resulting in improved accountability and service quality
- Enabled the Dallas market to achieve its 10G AAV upgrade goals—providing a robust and scalable network infrastructure for future growth.
Ready to enhance your network with 5G backhaul solutions and telecom vendor management best practices? Learn more about how UST streamlines network provisioning and activation using real-time data-driven optimization and a unified dashboard for telecom operations.
RESOURCES
https://www.ust.com/en/insights/small-cells-big-impact-unlocking-the-power-of-5g-networks
https://www.ust.com/en/insights/navigating-radio-frequency-compliance-issues-in-the-5g-landscape