Open fibre data¶

This page explains what fibre data is, why it’s useful to publish it as open data, and the difference between maps and data.

What is fibre data?¶

Fibre data describes fibre optic communication networks. It covers:

Geospatial data, such as the physical location of the spans and nodes in a fibre optic communication network
Technical data, such as the number and type of optical fibres in a span
Administrative data, such as the organisations that own passive infrastructure or operate active network infrastructure

Why publish fibre data as open data?¶

Open data is data that can be freely used, modified, and shared by anyone for any purpose.

Publishing fibre data as open data is useful to many different stakeholders and can be used for many different purposes; for example:

Infrastructure and network providers can use data to avoid overbuild, reduce commercial risk and identify existing networks to connect to.
Academics, researchers and policy analysts can use data to understand the economic and/or social impact of investing in fibre infrastructure.
National statistics offices, regulatory agencies and inter-governmental organisations can use data to calculate internationally agreed indicators.
Government, private and multi-lateral investors can use data to identify opportunities to invest in fibre infrastructure.
Non-governmental organisations can use data to advocate for improved internet access.

Maps and data: What’s the difference?¶

Maps are a type of data visualisation; they are distinct from the data itself.

Network providers, regulators and others often publish network maps without publishing the underlying data. Lack of access to the underlying data presents challenges for data users; in particular, for users that want to combine data on different networks or join-up data with other sources of social or economic data.

Publishing open fibre data, rather than only maps, reduces barriers to data use and ensures that permission is granted for reuse.