Q1 Newsletter From Millennium Geospatial

Thank you for your interest in our quarterly newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to share information that provides value to those with an interest in geospatial technology in the telecommunications industry. Wondering how it works? How it can work for your company? How it can work for you and your career? These are the things we cover here!

In the "Rising Tide" section, we share an interview from an influencer in the field about industry trends from their perspective. Interested in being featured? Send us an email!
In the "From The Trenches" section, our engineers pull back the curtain and share real-time information about the impact of geospatial technology on businesses around the globe.
The "Get Out And Connect" section will keep you up to date on valuable upcoming conferences.
The "Opportunities In The Field" section is a curated list of current job postings from around the world.

We believe there is a mountain of opportunity in our space at this time and we hope that you find the information we pull together for you each quarter valuable. To your success!

The Millennium Geospatial Team
info@millenniumgeospatial.com
608.949.9005

Kevin Maes, Millennium Geospatial: Based on your 30+ years in the industry, what do you see that is different today about the industry than, say, 10 years ago?

Eric Marinakis, Corning Optical Communications: The pace of installations, the lower cost of bringing fiber deeper and the morphing of product sets to be smaller, denser and more flexible.

KM: What do you think is the biggest challenge/obstacle to getting more fiber deeper into Rural America?

EM: More qualified fiber installers, tighter training and practices, enhanced glass for more flexible and smaller cable designs.

KM: Do you think 5G will have an impact on the company's decision-making around getting Fiber deeper into their networks?

EM: The 5G use case, as laid out by a highly regarded, top executive to our team, is fascinating and compelling. Network security is top of news and we cannot continue to grow and live the way we currently are without tightening up this area in every way. In other areas, like enhanced factory automation, smart buildings and cities, autonomous vehicles and robotic surgery, 5G leads us forward.

KM: What's been the biggest surprise to you related to the industry?

EM: Continued growth. I started in the 80's and what a ride it has been. Fiber to the desk, home and business was once a nice thought that was just too costly. Then again, we carried a bag phone back then too...

KM: What do you think the industry will look like in 5 years?

EM: The next 5 years will be another major leap ahead as fiber circles our cities, enables our wireless life and continues to change how we work, play and live.

Out in the field, you never know what to expect.

Not too long ago we received a field assignment to review a few handholes that we couldn't locate from satellite imagery - three handholes to be exact. The project area was in the eastern part of Madison along I-90. Knowing that we had to pop open a few handholes, we needed to find some help to lift those heavy things.

I tapped our most seasoned intern, Austin West, to assist. The first handhole we stumbled upon ended up having its own little ecosystem hiding inside.

The second handhole had its own surprise in-store. It wasn't actually a handhole, but rather an exposed manhole.

We searched for the third handhole, but could not locate it. We noticed an orange marker post off in the distance. After walking up to the orange post, we still didn't see the handhole the marker is supposed to highlight. Then I noticed a piece of barbed wire sticking out of the ground.

I yanked and yanked on the barbed wire and discovered the wire was anchored to something. It was wired to the handhole grip and the handhole was camouflaged with mud. The last person to open that handhole used barbed wire to lift it...