A primary reason the initial expansion of data cables spanned several decades was cost and a variety of external factors that telcos had difficulty controlling. These problems arose because they were forced to bury all the data cables. The last decade has seen an increase in OPGW (Fiber Optic Composite Ground Wire). This new design allowed for a compact, interference-free signal while taking advantage of power lines instead of being buried. Power grids have connected population centers for decades and now also offer an alternative telecommunications route.

No right-of-way conflicts

One of the most difficult problems telcos faced when trying to bury their data cable was right-of-way conflicts. The first problem was that Civil Works had to approve the route of the cable before the excavation began. This was to ensure that the burial process would not cause damage to existing buried power lines or public works infrastructure such as the water and sewer system. The second problem was competing with other telecommunications companies and associated companies for specific rights related to the land. As a result, many smaller communities only had one or two telecommunications companies to choose from. An OPGW live line allows telcos to quickly add and connect data cables through existing transmission line infrastructure avoiding all right-of-way conflicts.

No threat of injury or accidental damage

Maintaining and replacing buried data cables can quickly become an expensive proposition. There are numerous potential problems that can cause serious injury to people or to the data cable when it is buried underground. The most common problem is in residential areas when a homeowner digs in his garden and accidentally damages the data cable. To minimize the chance of this happening, telcos would use additional cables and materials for added protection, resulting in higher installation costs. By using an OPGW live line, a telecommunications company relies on long-established security measures built into the outdoor infrastructure.

More cost effective than burying cables

One of the great benefits of installing OPGW live lines is cost effectiveness. There are a variety of different ways to use an OPGW live line that prove to be more cost effective than burying the cable. The first area of ​​cost savings is the elimination of the dig and fill process as well as the outer casing piping that is required when burying the cable. The second area of ​​profitability is how OPGW live lines are installed. Instead of buying or renting heavy machinery, telecommunications companies use a variety of smaller tools, such as a support roller, mobile unit, retrieval machine, guy wire clamp, and a variety of line strings. Alive from OPGW. This process is also noticeably faster, reducing the number of man hours required to complete the project.

No service interruption required

The last reason OPGW live lines are popular is the ability to maintain service. If the lines are already connected to an existing telecommunications data infrastructure, it is not necessary to stop the service to lay the lines. The entire installation process can be completed without interrupting service to your customers.