Feedback From the Field: XFO Multitap Upgrade Series
Author
Khanyile Merritt Dube
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In parts 1 and 2 of this mini-series, Product Line Manager, Khanyile Merritt Dube explored the key pain points our customers experience around network upgrades, and how our XFO Series helps address them. This final episode looks at customer feedback on early deployments of our award-winning multitap upgrade solution.
5 Diamonds in 2023’s DTRs.
Initial reports from our customers already demonstrate how the operational benefits of a faceplate-only upgrade apply in the real world. Even across the whole spectrum of network diversity and differences, several recurring themes are consistent across customer reports so far.
Faster, simpler, and more predictable works.
Engineering teams were able to progress through upgrade sites much faster than planned in one deployment. Work was simpler and easier to predict. Remaining fixed and retrofitted with the faceplate-only solution, removing housings isn’t necessary. This helped the project stay on track even with limited labor availability.
Service continuity
Changeovers were completed with minimal disturbance to their subscribers, customers noted. This was a welcome benefit of the faceplate-only multitap upgrade: end user disruptions are common with full tap replacements. Furthermore, the manifest reduction in truck rolls and shorter on-site time were practical outcomes, not just theoretical advantages.
Improved procurement experience
Procurement teams also recognized value in having an alternative, compatible faceplate source. As supply cycles continue to fluctuate across the industry, the additional flexibility supported better planning for budgets, lead times and long-term stock control.
Sustainability
Operators also reported environmental motivations. Re-using existing housings limits unnecessary material waste: increasingly important as sustainability reporting becomes more central within network upgrade decisions.
These early experiences confirm what the XFO faceplate-only upgrade concept set out to achieve. For network modernization, XFO supports a realistic and workable approach that maximizes infrastructure instead of discarding it.
Author – Khanyile Merritt Dube, Product Line Manager
Leading Technetix’ XFO range roll out, Khanyile is a skilled market trend analyst, creatively tapping in (quite literally!) to customer needs through innovative strategies. Holding a PhD from Ulster University, Khanyile steps away from the usual thesis-level territory for her customer-first-style blog posts.
