Contracts Overview

Introduction

Welcome to the contract documentation for the Broadband Utility Project. This overview aims to provide stakeholders, developers, and any interested parties with a comprehensive understanding of the contracts integral to our project. As we look towards implementing these contracts in a Corda DLT environment, we believe that an in-depth understanding of the contracts' nuances is vital.

Key Contracts in Focus

The Broadband Utility Project leverages three main contracts, each catering to different facets of the project. Here’s a brief breakdown:

Organizational Graph

The Broadband Utility Project, being complex and multifaceted, necessitates a well-defined organizational structure. This ensures clear delegation of roles, facilitates communication, and streamlines the workflow across various units and subcontractors.

The organizational graph visually represents the hierarchy and relationship between different entities and roles in the project. This includes the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), the prime contractors, and any pertinent stakeholders.

Below is the organizational graph which gives a snapshot of the project’s structure:

svg

By understanding this graph, stakeholders can identify key points of contact, recognize the flow of responsibility, and better navigate the project’s many facets. This clarity is crucial for ensuring that every aspect of the project runs smoothly and efficiently.

As we delve deeper into each entity’s roles and responsibilities in subsequent sections, refer back to this graph to visualize how they fit into the overall project structure.

Design-Builder Agreement

The Design-Builder is in charge of constructing the physical infrastructure. It’s their role to ensure that the project’s physical elements, such as cables, towers, and related infrastructure, are set up efficiently and safely.

Master Integrator Agreement

The role of the Master Integrator is to provide a comprehensive networking solution. They ensure that all components, both hardware and software, work seamlessly to provide users with an optimal experience.

Operation & Maintenance Agreement

Once the infrastructure is set and the system integrated, the Operator ensures that everything runs smoothly. They handle day-to-day operations, while the maintenance team ensures the infrastructure’s longevity through regular checks and repairs.

RACI Chart for Assets

Asset/Role Description Owner (SPV) Design-Builder Integrator Operator RSP

Passive Infrastructure

Network Segments

Resulting Asset for a Fiber Route Segment

A

R

C

I

I

Last Mile Drops

Last Mile Fiber Drop Assets

A

R

C

I

I

Supplies & Materials

Additional Supplies and Materials

A

R

C

I

I

Broadband Utility

Active Equipment

Active Equipment Portion of POD assets

A

I

R

C

I

Point of Presence

Physical Hosting of POD Assets which includes POP & retrofits

A

C

R

I

I

Software & Systems

All software and systems required for operations

A

I

R

C

C

Customer Premises Equipment

On premise utility service termination

A

I

R

C

I

Retail Services

Retail Premises Equipment

Additional Gateway and Installation

A

I

I

C

R

IoT Equipment

Additional Emerging Services Installation

A

I

I

C

R

Note:

  • A stands for Accountable: the individual who approves the work.

  • R stands for Responsible: the individual who ensures the task completion.

  • C stands for Consulted: those whose opinions are sought; typically subject matter experts.

  • I stands for Informed: those who are kept up-to-date on progress.

This matrix ensures a clear delegation of roles, making certain of the responsibilities for the different assets of the network.

RACI Chart for Activities

The RACI chart below provides a visual representation of the roles and responsibilities across the various contracts activities:

Activity/Role Description Owner (SPV) Design-Builder Integrator Operator RSP

Design Activities

Architecture & Layout

Routes & Aggregation Points based on the reference architecture and zones

A

R

C

I

I

Engineering & Permits

Engineering activities and permits management

A

R

C

I

I

Logical Network Design

Logical Network Design with PODs and capacity planning

A

I

R

C

I

Build Activities

Outside Plant Construction

Construction and Delivery of all the Network Segment Assets

A

R

C

I

I

Point of Delivery

Construction and Integration of all the Point of Presence/Delivery Assets

A

C

R

I

I

Network Commissioning

Initial configuration and commissioning of the zone services

A

I

R

C

I

Transfer to Operations

Asset transfer to operations process and activities

A

I

C

R

I

Operations Activities

Last Mile Installation

Installations of Last Mile to Building NID

A

R

I

C

I

Dwelling Installations

Indoor Installations from NID to CPE for SDUs or MDUs

A

C

I

R

I

NBAP Installations

Non-Building Access Point Installations for devices and IoT

A

C

I

R

I

Service Provisioning

Service Provisioning and Lifecycle Activities

A

I

C

R

I

Access Zone Services

Retails Services for End Customers

A

I

I

C

R

Community Zone Services

Enterprise Services for End Customers

A

I

C

R

I

Enterprise Marketing & Outreach

Marketing Activities to Enterprise and RSPs

A

I

I

R

C

Community Marketing & Outreach

Marketing Activities to End Customers

A

I

I

C

R

Billing and Services

Billing and New Services Introductions

A

I

C

R

I

Network Upgrades

Upgrades to the Network Software and Hardware

A

I

R

C

I

Maintenance Activities

Break and Fix

Incident Management and Break and Fix Repairs

A

C

I

R

I

Routine Maintenance

Maintenance Inspections and Routine Checks

A

I

C

R

I

Support Services

Support services and patches to Solution

A

I

R

C

I

Note:

  • A stands for Accountable: the individual who approves the work.

  • R stands for Responsible: the individual who ensures the task completion.

  • C stands for Consulted: those whose opinions are sought; typically subject matter experts.

  • I stands for Informed: those who are kept up-to-date on progress.

This matrix ensures a clear delegation of roles, making certain that every phase of the project is executed seamlessly, and that stakeholders know their specific duties.

Conclusion

Contracts form the backbone of our Broadband Utility Project, ensuring every stakeholder knows their role and responsibilities. With our transition to Corda DLT, we’re taking a giant leap towards a future of secure, transparent, and efficient contract management. We encourage you to explore the detailed contract documentation for a thorough understanding.