Transforming Joint Use Management with ISG

Managing utility poles may not seem like the most thrilling responsibility, but when you add multiple service providers into the mix—electricity, telecommunications, cable, and internet—joint use management becomes essential for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Let’s dig into how ISG’s telecommunications team is leading the charge in transforming this critical process!

What is Joint Use Management?

Joint use management involves sharing infrastructure, such as utility poles, among various service providers. This practice is often not a matter of choice, but a regulatory requirement mandated by entities like the FCC or state utilities boards. While the idea of shared infrastructure promotes efficiency by cutting costs, avoiding installation duplication, and maximizing existing rights-of-way, it also brings significant challenges.

Managing joint use agreements requires navigating complex regulatory compliance, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and addressing the logistical hurdles of maintaining shared assets. For many utilities, this is a daunting task they’d rather avoid, yet it’s essential for maintaining access and equity in service delivery. This is where effective joint use management becomes critical, helping to alleviate the burden and streamline the process.

Long-Term Benefits of Joint Use Management

Effective joint use management not only reduces the burden on utilities but also ensures compliance with critical safety and regulatory standards. By addressing the numerous requirements of managing shared infrastructure, pole owners can minimize risks and improve overall operational efficiency. Key benefits include:

• Streamlined Processes: Manage permits, contracts, billing, and work orders all in one place.
• Safety + Compliance: Ensure that poles and attachments are installed and maintained in accordance with safety codes, preventing overloaded poles and reducing liability risks.
• Violation Management: Identify and address issues to keep teams accountable and avoid potential hazards (because rogue poles are nobody’s favorite).
• Expertise on Tap: Leverage ISG’s engineering expertise and strong utility relationships to navigate complex projects, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution.

But that's just scratching the surface. ISG also brings experience in lifecycle tracking, contract negotiation, and utility design systems that keep tasks moving efficiently and reliably. This is where we shine!

Common Hurdles in Joint Use Management + The ISG Approach

We understand that managing joint-use infrastructure comes with significant challenges. Here’s how ISG aligns our solutions with common industry hurdles to make a real difference:

1. Limited Resources: Teams are often understaffed.

ISG’s Solution – Expertise: With years of experience in the utility space, we bring deep knowledge of pole attachments and foster close relationships with pole owners, becoming a seamless extension of your team. Our expertise allows us to accomplish more with the right number of professionals to support your team.

2. Lack of Expertise: Utility management is more complex than it looks.

ISG’s Solution – Strategic Solutions: We simplify the complexities of utility management by refining processes and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. Our goal is to make your job easier, not harder.

3. High Complexity: Navigating contracts, billing, and regulations can be overwhelming.

ISG’s Solution – Intentional Communication: We keep teams and stakeholders aligned through consistent updates, clear project follow-ups, and proactive communication, eliminating confusion and ensuring smooth project execution.

ISG is more than just a partner—we act as an extension of your team, helping you manage joint-use infrastructure efficiently and effectively.

Case Study: Transforming Joint Use Management With Minnesota Power

Minnesota Power needed help managing their joint use systems due to limited internal resources, and ISG was there to support and assist. From revamping their billing processes to conducting field studies and pole loading analyses, we offered comprehensive services. Our in-house design expertise and work order management solutions significantly eased their burden, improving efficiency across the board.

Throughout the project, we maintained open communication, keeping Minnesota Power informed to ensure each required task stayed on track. With ISG’s deep understanding of utility systems, we went beyond joint use management and tackled other challenges that surfaced along the way. Today, Minnesota Power operates more strategically, equipped with streamlined processes and refined tools to produce results and ongoing success.

Ready to Simplify Your Joint Use Management?

Don’t get lost in the noise. ISG is here to help sort through the complexities and deliver tailored solutions to fit your unique needs. If you're facing utility management headaches or looking to transform how your infrastructure is handled, let’s tackle those poles together. Reach out to ISG today!