New Mapping Technology Looks to Boost UK Fibre Broadband Rollout

The specialist consultancy firm for UK utilities and infrastructure, Dalcour Maclaren, has taken the wrappings off its new bespoke fibre planning tool that it hopes will boost the roll-out of full fibre broadband by transforming the wayleave (legal land/property access agreements) and consent process for network operators.

Built on the Environmental Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI) global mapping platform, the consultancy’s customised system is said to integrate with client databases and internal project tools to give “real-time visibility of every site, consent and potential risk“. This allows clients to make more informed decisions at the design stage, reducing the number of consents needed, avoiding delays and creating a more economic, efficient build.

The platform has replaced previous spreadsheet-based methods and basic mapping tools. “It provides live access for client teams and contractors on the ground and records each interaction with landowners to ensure nothing is missed. The approach is agile and tailored for each project, avoiding a one-size-fits-all solution and allowing for integration with clients’ systems,” said the firm.

The tool is already being used by a number of network operators and more than 190 infrastructure sites have been managed using it, with over 75% of consents already secured ahead of construction (most of the altnets using it are based in the Midlands and the South-West). Some of these include operators working on the government’s Project Gigabit broadband scheme. It was also recently shortlisted in the Fibre Sector Innovation category of the 2025 UK Fibre Awards (here).

Jonathan Speers, Director at Dalcour Maclaren, said:

“This has been a major investment for us — both financially and in terms of development time — but it’s delivering exactly what our clients need. It’s not just about mapping. It’s providing clarity and consistency, and helping clients keep pace with the demands of full fibre rollouts.”

In fairness, we have seen other mapping solutions make similar claims before, and it’s very difficult for us to do an independent comparison of such platforms. But more choice for network operators is always welcome, especially if it helps to make building fibre more efficient.