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Phoenix, Arizona - August 28 - AEX and Red Rock Telecommunications have teamed up to bring high-speed broadband internet to homes and businesses in Arizona. This partnership aims to use broadband over power lines (BPL) technology from Red Rock, and AEX infrastructure, managed services, and software solutions to provide lightning internet speeds. Collectively, AEX and Red Rock Telecommunications plan to bridge the divide and offer reliable utility monitoring capabilities to new areas of the country.

“We are excited to team up with Red Rock Telecommunications and revolutionize broadband connectivity with our broadband partner model,” said John McLauchlin, COO of AEX. “Our combined expertise will provide high-speed internet access and network monitoring capabilities across, traditionally, overlooked and underfunded parts of the country.”

A Partnership for Success - Phase 1

• Enhanced Internet Speeds: This partnership will bring broadband speeds exceeding 1Gbps, significantly improving internet access for households and businesses throughout Arizona.
• Innovative Broadband Technology: Red Rock’s groundbreaking BPL technology will leverage existing power infrastructure to offer broadband services, and utility infrastructure monitoring capabilities across the state.
• Automation Tools: AEX will integrate Red Rock’s broadband technology with its network management and provisioning software to automate connectivity and monitoring.
• Infrastructure Funding: AEX plans to invest over $14 million in phase 1 of the project, to build network infrastructure behind the Red Rock Telecommunications technology.

Future Outlook

The initiative's initial phase will kick off with targeted deployments in Arizona, aiming to connect homes and businesses to high-speed internet. Subsequent phases will extend coverage further, with the objective of ensuring that residents, businesses, and utilities have full access to the network. This collaboration between AEX and Red Rock Telecommunications highlights their dedication to innovation, connectivity and community growth.

About AEX

Automation Exchange (AEX) makes building and operating fiber networks simple by enabling network operators to focus on their customer journey. AEX is currently on a mission to radically simplify US broadband connectivity by providing access to infrastructure, automation, and expertise to build, scale, and compete on day one. Dedicated AEX products focused on closing the digital divide include infrastructure access, managed services, software, network equipment, and implementation services.

About Red Rock Telecommunications

Founded in 2008, Red Rock Telecommunications is a facilities-based Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) that builds and manages high-speed fiber optic networks. Red Rock Telecommunications is on a mission to improve the quality of life through innovative but reliable technology in every community they serve. Red Rock Telecommunications serves their customers’ needs by creating innovative solutions that make technology easier, better, faster, more cost-effective and more useful.

The Challenge: Efficiently Managing Broadband Deployment

Broadband internet providers encounter numerous challenges in deploying and managing their services across different stages of network readiness. From gauging subscriber interest in planned areas to handling pre-orders in regions under construction, and servicing live areas, the entire process demands precise and efficient management to turn potential interest into revenue. Tracking every serviceable property, managing installations, and ensuring customer satisfaction involve complexities that can overwhelm traditional management systems, resulting in inefficiencies and lost opportunities.

The Solution: AEX SaaS Comprehensive OSS/BSS System

To tackle these challenges, AEX SaaS provides a comprehensive Operational Support System (OSS) and Business Support System (BSS) tailored to support broadband providers from capturing subscriber interest to generating revenue. This integrated solution streamlines the management of network deployments and subscriber interactions through several key features:

Demand Capture at Every Network Stage:

• In Planning: Allows potential subscribers to show interest in services not yet deployed.
• In Build: Manages pre-orders from interested subscribers in areas under construction.
• Live Areas: Facilitates straightforward ordering and provisioning processes for regions with active services

Comprehensive Mapping and Premise Management:

Every serviceable property is mapped within the system, enabling providers to attach leads and sales directly to these properties, ensuring no missed opportunities

AEX Operator Portal – The Central Hub: This portal acts as the main engine where broadband providers can:

• Manage subscriber accounts and profiles.
• Oversee ONT (Optical Network Terminal) monitoring.
• End to end workflow management
• Update service statuses and manage infrastructure projectsExtensive reporting via AEX Automated Insights

Integrated Apps for Field Staff and Installers:

Field service apps integrated into the AEX Ops Portal support installers with the tools they

• Access to customer details, work order information, and installation schedules.
• Features for reporting, integrated calling, and navigation to installation sites.

1. Targeted Digital Marketing: Create and manage digital marketing campaigns with unique tracking capabilities directly from the portal, supporting highly targeted and effective advertising strategies.
2. Comprehensive Product, Billing, and Support Management: Easily manage products, handle billing complexities, and provide customer support through a unified system.

Benefits for Broadband Providers:

Using AEX SaaS, broadband providers can streamline their operations significantly. The solution offers:

• Enhanced efficiency managing the full lifecycle of subscriber interaction.
• Improved accuracy in demand forecasting and network planning.
• Effective management and marketing tools increase conversion rates from interest to actual revenue.
• Upgraded resource allocation for field services and installation management.

Enhancing Broadband Deployment with AEX SaaS

In the competitive broadband market, efficiently managing subscriber interest and network deployment from end to end can set a provider apart. AEX SaaS is a robust platform that simplifies these tasks and enhances the ability to monitor, manage, and grow a broadband network effectively. By adopting AEX SaaS, providers can ensure that their journey from subscriber interest to revenue is seamless and efficient, securing their market position and improving service delivery. AEX manages highly complex processes and workflows intelligently - manage your network and run your operations seamlessly.

Contact AEX today to find out more about our broadband fiber solutions.

In the dynamic landscape of broadband network development, the industry's focus is increasingly on demand aggregation as the cornerstone of successful network deployment. This perspective overlooks critical components that precede it.

We propose a viewpoint that champions a more nuanced approach to network building, particularly in the initial stages. This approach is not only pivotal but foundational to the success of any broadband network. It's time to move away from the "if you build it, they will come" mentality and acknowledge the importance of accurate mapping data as the backbone of network development.

1. Geographic Area Analysis: The Foundation
   Developing a successful broadband network goes beyond merely counting houses; it involves a deep dive into the types of residences and businesses within a service area, including single homes, MDUs, commercial, and agricultural spaces. Topographical nuances also play a significant role, as they impact the feasibility and cost of network deployment. A geographic area analysis ensures that the scope of potential customers is not just estimated but accurately defined.
2. Community Needs Analysis: Customization is Key
   This hyper-local analysis is not a one-size-fits-all but is instead tailored to each community. It considers factors like affordability and equitable access. Understanding the unique needs of a community ensures that the network built serves its purpose effectively and responsibly.
3. Competitor Analysis: Understanding the Landscape
   Assessing existing and potential competition is crucial in understanding the market dynamics and positioning the network in a way that it can offer unique value propositions to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
4. Demand Aggregation: The Fourth Step, Not the First
   While demand aggregation is undoubtedly important, positioning it later in the process aligns more logically with the actual progression of network development. This approach allows for a network built on a foundation of accurate data and a deep understanding of the community it serves.

The Pitfalls of Inaccurate Data

The current landscape of mapping data is fraught with inaccuracies, leading to significant challenges in network construction. The reliance on flawed data for demand aggregation is akin to building a house on an unstable foundation. It's not just about the number of potential customers; it's about knowing exactly where they are and understanding their needs.

The AEX Difference: Accurate Mapping for Informed Decisions

At AEX, we have developed a proprietary mapping data algorithm that significantly enhances the accuracy of parcel and premise data. This tool is particularly effective in identifying MDUs, a segment often underrepresented in traditional mapping data. Our algorithm routinely identifies 11-20% more addresses than current mapping data leaders. This accuracy is not just a number it's the difference between a network that reaches its intended audience and one that falls short.

While demand aggregation is a critical component of broadband network development, it is imperative to recognize that it is not the starting point. A successful network build begins with accurate geographic, community, and competitive analyses. As an industry, we must shift our focus to these foundational steps to ensure that our efforts in broadband deployment are both effective and sustainable. This approach not only
aligns with BEAD funding requirements but also paves the way for networks that truly meet the needs of the communities they serve.