Best of the ISP-Lists

Working the Trenches

Members of the ISP-CLEC list discuss what to do when you've managed to get a cable trench dug. Should you lay fiber or copper? What other costs might you need to consider?

[January 11, 2001]

On the ISP-CLEC list in December, TB inquired,

"We have been presented with an opportunity to partner with a home builder to provide high speed Internet access to their development of about 1700 homes. The builder does the trenching for the utilities, so they could drop in our copper or fiber. We were thinking copper. Any advice or suggestions?"

A number of respondents urged TB to consider fiber instead:

[RSB suggested] "The trenching has to be done whether you put in copper or fiber, so why not fiber? You could wholesale access to carriers who would love having fiber last-mile access. The cost disparity is not as great as you might think."

[DF agreed] "Depending on the area, I would suggest not using copper in the ground, especially in lightning prone areas. Use fiber. Bear in mind the length limitations and you should be all right. Cheap, readily available, easy to install and scalable."

[RL added] "Fiber is the most cost-effective medium. It has a fifty-year life. The physics of glass compared to copper for carrying broadband signals—no comparison. Expect to pay $35,000 to $50,000 per mile for fiber cable."

NS disagreed, contending that copper's the best bet:

"Look, as long as you keep loop length under 2000 feet, copper will be fine. You also will not need to worry about power lifeline issues with copper. I think copper is still the best solution if built correctly."

Others suggested that the decision is far more complex than just copper versus fiber:

[JJ warned] "Don't forget, you're also going to need cabinets, pedestals, grounding hardware, right of way, permits, etc. A lot more than just throwing a cable in a trench."

[RL agreed] "Make sure that you get perfected rights-of-way before trenching. Also, be aware that once you trench, you can be required to allow others alongside you in the trench. This will vary depending upon the municipality. And don't forget to get franchises in place first. You must also be state certified as a carrier before you can begin any infrastructure deployment."

[BN added] "There are way too many variables that you have to ask yourself when doing a build like this. I would look into working with a consulting group to finalize your decision."

—End