In today’s fast-paced telecom sector, maintaining high-performing, reliable networks is non-negotiable. UK telecom operators are under increasing pressure to deliver seamless services while managing expanding networks and rising costs. Yet, many still struggle with avoidable inefficiencies—particularly when it comes to field maintenance operations.
The root cause? A persistent lack of real-time visibility into field activities, which results in delayed maintenance, increased safety risks, and unnecessary operational costs. Without accurate, up-to-date data from the field, decision-makers are forced to react to issues instead of preventing them.
But this doesn’t have to be the norm. With the rise of AI-powered, real-time field visibility platforms like FYLD, telecom operators now have the tools to transform maintenance operations—reducing downtime, enhancing efficiency, and protecting profit margins.
The high cost of maintenance blind spots
Telecom providers are under immense pressure to uphold seamless network services while managing expenses. Common challenges include reactive maintenance delays, safety risks, service strikes, and customer complaints. These issues not only strain resources but also tarnish the provider’s reputation.
These blind spots create a chain of costly consequences:
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Reactive repairs lead to longer downtimes, slowing restoration efforts and frustrating customers.
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Safety risks increase when worksite conditions are not continuously monitored.
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Service strikes and errors become more common without accurate, on-the-ground intelligence.
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Customer complaints arise when issues aren’t resolved quickly, damaging brand reputation.
The result is a growing strain on resources and a hit to profitability. In some cases, field teams are reporting up to 4 hours of wasted time per job, simply waiting for site access, materials, or traffic management clearance—adding avoidable costs to already pressured margins.
The visibility gap: Why it matters
Field operations and frontline workforces have traditionally relied on paper-based reporting, fragmented systems, and siloed communication channels. These outdated methods mean data isn’t shared in real-time—or worse, isn’t captured at all. Teams often operate without a clear picture of site conditions, leading to delays, mistakes, and rework.
This “visibility gap” directly impacts operational efficiency:
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Work is delayed because critical decisions rely on outdated or incomplete information.
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Costs spiral as teams are dispatched unnecessarily or fail to bring the right equipment on the first visit.
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Safety incidents rise when risks aren’t identified early enough for preventive action.
As telecom operators contend with large-scale infrastructure projects and aggressive service delivery timelines, closing this visibility gap is essential.
The power of real-time visibility: Turning data into action
FYLD’s AI-powered work execution platform bridges this gap by delivering real-time insights into field operations. Our platform transforms frontline workers into active data contributors, capturing video risk assessments, sharing live site updates, and ensuring constant communication between field teams and decision-makers.
Implementing real-time video evidence and live site updates can substantially reduce downtime and associated costs. This proactive approach allows operators to identify and address issues before they escalate.
With real-time visibility, telecom operators can:
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Pre-empt issues rather than react to them
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Prioritise work more effectively, focusing resources where they’re needed most.
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Provide remote oversight, reducing the need for constant site visits and associated travel costs.
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Ensure compliance through automated reporting and digital audit trails.
Telecom operators are facing significant challenges with increasing project costs due to extensive network upgrades. Currently, margins are at 35-45%. They could drop to 15% in the next 5 years. Real-time visibility can lower operational expenses and reduce the risk of profit margins falling.
The bottom line: Safeguarding profitability in challenging times
The telecom industry is under intense financial pressure. With profit margins currently hovering at 35-45%, there’s a looming risk they could fall to 15% or lower over the next five years without intervention. Rising costs linked to network upgrades, growing customer expectations, and regulatory demands make operational efficiency an urgent priority.
Real-time visibility delivers measurable benefits to protect and enhance margins:
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Reduced downtime: Faster job completion and fewer service interruptions boost customer satisfaction and retention.
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Lower operational costs: Fewer site visits, reduced travel expenses, and minimised rework save time and money.
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Evidence for regulatory compliance and fine mitigation: Comprehensive digital records help challenge unjust fines (e.g., Streetworks violations).
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Improved safety outcomes: Proactive risk detection reduces incidents and injuries, cutting associated costs and liability risks.
Operational efficiencies you can see
With FYLD’s platform, telecom operators have already reported:
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Fewer site visits: Remote oversight minimises the need for physical inspections
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Faster response times: Quick identification of issues facilitates swift reactive repairs
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Reduced rework and disputes: Digital evidence ensures accuracy, reducing the likelihood of rework and disputes
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Compliance with regulations: Enhanced monitoring aids in adhering to regulatory standards
See more, save more: Why visibility drives margin growth
In an industry where every hour counts and customer expectations are only rising, the ability to see what’s happening in the field—and act on it in real-time—has become non-negotiable.
FYLD empowers telecom operators with the predictive intelligence and real-time visibility they need to:
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Optimize manager time and travel costs: Efficient scheduling and remote assessments cut unnecessary expenses.
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Increase operational uptime: Fewer service interruptions lead to improved customer satisfaction and retention
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Evidence to challenge fines: Accurate records provide a basis to contents unjust Streetworks fines
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Increase profit margins: Precision in maintenance reduces the need for costly rework contributing to stronger profit margins.
FYLD: Frontline intelligence. Powered by AI.
In today’s competitive telecom market, real-time visibility is not just an advantage, but a necessity. By illuminating maintenance blind spots, operators can enhance efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction, all while bolstering their bottom line.
Ready to reduce downtime and drive operational excellence?
Book a demo with FYLD today and discover how real-time visibility can transform your maintenance operations.
