FiberLocator Secrets: 7 Powerful Features Most Users Overlook

When it comes to network planning, having the right tools at your fingertips can mean the difference between hours of manual research and making decisions in minutes. FiberLocator offers more than just maps, it delivers powerful features that many users don’t realize they already have access to.

From pulling carrier contact information and pinpointing lit buildings to uploading proprietary data layers and defining custom boundaries, the platform is built to streamline your workflow. In this post, we’re highlighting 7 of the most powerful FiberLocator features you may be overlooking. 

Access Carrier Contact Information

Identifying where fiber is located is only the first piece of your network planning puzzle.

Once a nearby carrier has been located, the next step is to access the provider’s contact information directly within the platform. With a simple click on the carrier’s name in the legend/on the map, a lit building, or a fiber route, users can instantly connect with the right network provider, eliminating guesswork and accelerating the path from research to action. 

Upload Proprietary Layers

In advanced network planning, it’s common to combine multiple datasets into a single view using various tools. FiberLocator makes this process easier by allowing users to upload and visualize their own geospatial data directly within the platform.

Whether working with KMZ, KML, or zipped SHP files, users can overlay proprietary data to create a customized map environment that aligns with their project needs. The platform supports files up to 25 MB, ensuring flexibility for large-scale analysis.

Batch Upload

While the primary search window is ideal for quick, one-off location lookups, network planning often requires analyzing multiple sites at once. That’s where FiberLocator’s batch upload feature becomes invaluable.

Our CSV Batch Processing tool allows users to upload up to 200 addresses or latitude/longitude coordinates in a single report (larger custom reports are also available). This capability is especially powerful for projects that involve evaluating multiple locations, enabling users to quickly gather carrier information at scale and streamline what would otherwise be a time-consuming research process.

Create Boundaries

Fiber research is often focused on specific regions, and having a clear visual boundary can help make sense of complex data. FiberLocator’s Boundary Tool enables users to define and display custom geographic boundaries around their map results, providing a clear and focused view of the area under analysis.

This functionality not only helps users organize and segment their data but also supports more strategic decision-making by highlighting where opportunities and gaps exist within a defined region. By visually containing the data, planners can more efficiently prioritize searches, analyze coverage, and communicate insights to stakeholders. Common border types include the state, county, zip code, census block and others.

Carrier Specific Searches

In many cases, you may need to focus on specific carriers within a particular area of interest, whether exploring lit buildings, metro networks, or other infrastructure. FiberLocator makes this simple by allowing users to highlight carriers directly from the results legend or by searching for a carrier through the primary search window.

Conducting a carrier-specific search provides a comprehensive view of all the data associated with that provider, giving users a clear understanding of available fiber routes, network assets, and coverage areas. This targeted approach not only saves time but also ensures that decisions are based on precise, actionable information.

A to Z Search

FiberLocator also offers a A to Z search option, allowing users to input up to five locations and identify carriers that serve all of them. This feature is particularly valuable for organizations looking to streamline their network planning and procurement processes, as finding a common carrier across multiple sites can simplify quotes and reduce complexity.

By quickly pinpointing providers capable of covering all locations, users can make more efficient, informed decisions while minimizing the time and effort typically required for cross-location research.

Access FCC BDC Data via Distance Report

Most recently, FiberLocator introduced the addition of FCC National Broadband Map data as an option in the FiberLocator Fiber Distance Report. This feature displays data reported by internet service providers (ISPs), including where broadband is and isn’t offered, at what speeds, and by which providers. The map helps identify gaps in coverage and supports federal funding decisions to expand high-speed internet access.

FiberLocator is designed to simplify and accelerate the network planning process and give users the insights they need to make smarter, faster decisions. By consolidating critical data into an intuitive platform, we help streamline guesswork and research across multiple locations and carriers.

Whether you’re evaluating fiber routes, identifying common carriers, or exploring alternative connectivity options, the platform empowers you to act with confidence.

If you have questions about accessing these capabilities or want guidance on how to maximize your use of FiberLocator, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.