Key Takeaways from Collaborative Synergy & TrueNet | "Accelerating the Build" ISE Webinar
Make-ready engineering and permitting delays are still slowing down broadband deployment—even as funding and demand surge. In a recent ISE Magazine webinar, leaders from Collaborative Synergy and TrueNet Communications shared hard-won strategies for moving faster in the field and reducing costly rework. Here are some helpful takeaways from the presentation.
1. Why are permitting delays so common in broadband deployment?
“Permitting is hyper-local. You can’t assume consistency even within a single county,” said Johannes Maassen, President of Collaborative Synergy. “One power company might allow attachments at 100% capacity—another caps it at 80%.”
Tip: Test first. Submit a small application (10–20 poles) before scaling to 500+. “You’ll avoid surprises, reduce rejections, and start building trust with the reviewers,” Maassen advised.
2. How does digital data collection reduce field delays?
Collaborative Synergy uses Katapult and other tools to collect high-resolution, geospatial field data—replacing outdated pen-and-paper workflows.
“We’re capturing multiple angles, full height measurements, anchor locations, and down guy specs in one pass,” said Tim Bagshaw, Project Manager at Collaborative Synergy. “It’s accurate enough that utilities often skip the site visit.”
The results? A jump from 5,000 poles to 68,000 poles surveyed for client TrueNet Communications in one year.
3. What’s a smart alternative to replacing overloaded poles?
Collaborative Synergy often prevents pole replacements with proactive modeling and field-driven solutions.
“In one project, we used strategically placed down guys and mitigated every failing pole,” said Maassen. “That saved the client $40,000 and weeks of delay.”
This is the power of engineering with real field intelligence, not just software output. Read our TrueNet case study to learn more.
4. What’s the key to working faster with utilities?
“It starts with empathy,” said Maassen. “Utility teams are buried. If you make their job easier, if your data is clean, complete, and visual—they’ll respond faster.”
Collaborative Synergy delivers:
- Timestamped pole photos
- Geospatial KMZ files
- Utility-specific permit packages
“We also make sure utilities know what’s coming,” Maassen added. “We’ll give them a heads-up: ‘We’re submitting 300 poles next month—here’s what we’ve seen on your last review.’ It turns rejection into collaboration.”
5. How does cross-training support scalability?
“Our team isn’t siloed,” said Bagshaw. “If work slows in one area, we use that time to cross-train.”
Fielders learn pole loading, make-ready, and fiber design so they can jump into new roles when volume surges. Office teams train in QA, drafting, and utility standards to support multiple workflows.
“When everyone understands what the next person needs, the whole process moves faster,” Bagshaw explained.
6. Will LIDAR and AI replace field crews?
“No, but they’ll turbocharge them,” said Maassen.
TrueNet is piloting LIDAR and AI tools that can scan 100+ miles per day—but not everything can be captured from a vehicle.
“You still need boots on the ground to identify pole tags, count anchor rods, and assess obstructions,” said Bagshaw. “It’s a hybrid future, and we’re already building toward it.”
7. What’s often missed during fiber M&A?
“Buyers skip the make-ready review,” warned Maassen. “That’s where six-figure problems are hiding.”
Collaborative Synergy conducts digital field audits to validate inherited infrastructure and prevent post-sale surprises.
“We’ve seen M&As where a change in pole loading thresholds—from 100% to 90%—suddenly made an entire network non-compliant,” Maassen noted. “That’s avoidable.”
🔁 Quick Reference: Smart Broadband Deployment
| Challenge | Collaborative Synergy Approach |
| Permitting lags | Start small, build trust, engage early |
| Data errors | Use digital, geospatial field tools |
| Pole overload | Engineer mitigations (e.g., down guys) |
| Utility response delays | Deliver utility-ready data & updates |
| Team scaling | Cross-train field and back-office staff |
| Long survey timelines | Integrate LIDAR + on-the-ground QA |
| M&A risks | Conduct infrastructure condition audits |
🎥 Watch the Full Webinar Replay
📺 Click here to access the recording
Work with the Team That ISPs and Utilities Trust
If you’re facing permitting backlogs, scaling issues, or post-M&A due diligence challenges—Collaborative Synergy can help.
With national reach, a deep understanding of utility rules, and a reputation for practical innovation, we’ll help you move broadband builds from backlog to green light.
📩 Contact us today to get started.
