Internet service providers (ISPs) have experienced a profound transformation shaped by challenges and innovation. The transition from early networking technologies like ATM and frame relay to modern Fiber optic solutions such as GPON and XGSPON, which deliver multi-gigabit speeds, shows more than just technical growth. Today, ISPs play a larger role than just providing internet access. They are evolving into broadband experience providers, focusing on how customers engage with and gain from their services. Users now expect more than just speed; they want smooth Wi-Fi, mobile apps for managing their networks, integration with smart devices, and tools to control their internet traffic. Amid these changes stands Amey Deshpande, a key contributor to ISP modernization.
Amey specializes in guiding ISPs through complex mergers, acquisitions, and structural changes where subscriber data, network configurations, and billing information need precise cloud migration. His expertise includes automating the entire life cycle of service provisioning. This involves the internet, IPTV, and voice services. He helps providers streamline their operations and improve service quality with Calix platforms.
During a cloud migration project with a leading company, the strategist managed the transfer of around 8,900 subscribers and related equipment within a ten-hour maintenance window, ensuring there was no disruption to service. Across his involvement in more than 15 migration efforts, he consistently maintained accuracy levels above 95%, exceeding the expected target of 90% for subscriber billing and network data integrity. Additionally, Amey works to support the precise handling of subscriber data and contribute to improved service management.
Among the network architect’s bigger projects is the federally funded Connect America Fund (CAF) initiative. This program used Calix hardware and software to deliver broadband with speeds of at least 10 Mbps to underserved rural and remote areas through CenturyLink’s dark Fiber. It aimed to close the digital divide and generate millions in revenue.
A significant challenge Amey addressed involves aligning field and support teams during the onboarding of new platforms. To address this, the expert created training sessions and ongoing support for ISPs using Calix cloud products. This helps teams activate subscriber services more efficiently and offer both proactive and reactive support. As a result, operations run more smoothly, and service quality improves.
Moreover, the engineer’s view of the industry's direction emphasizes that delivering higher speeds is just the foundation. What matters more now is delivering a broadband experience that fits the digital lifestyle of users. "Today’s ISP success depends not only on speed but on how effectively providers support the customer’s management of their internet environment," he added.
Looking ahead, Amey thinks smaller ISPs with clear strategies and a focus on customer experience can compete with larger companies by becoming full broadband experience providers. The combination of cloud automation, managed Wi-Fi, IoT services, and easy-to-use applications will be important factors in this change.
In conclusion, the process of modernizing ISP networks brings with it a variety of technical and operational challenges. Effective leadership combined with thoughtful innovations plays a crucial role in helping service providers enhance the reliability and user focus of their services. As the sector continues to adopt greater integration of services and increased personalization, the overall quality and consistency of the broadband experience will remain key indicators of success.
