Fibre deployment: The advantages and disadvantages of different fibre deployment methods

By Shane Chorley, CEO at Frogfoot Networks

In a digital era where activities such as remote working, eCommerce and online education have come to the fore, connectivity has become just as important as other utilities such as electricity – and fibre is crucial in ensuring that people can have access to the internet more cost-effectively. Currently, fibre network operators (FNOs) adopt different approaches to laying fibre in order to connect as many people as possible. While each method has its advantages and disadvantages there is no difference for the end-user when it comes to bandwidth or latency.

This first method of fibre deployment is through trenching, where trenches are dug on both sides of the road within the servitude lane, which is the piece of land between the road and the property wall that has been set aside for services provided by the council, including water, sewerage and in some cases electricity as well as gas lines – all at different, allocated depths. In addition, cuts have to be made across intersections at the end of each block in order to connect both sides to the network.

It should be noted that before any fibre is deployed, wayleaves have to be secured from the local government authorities so that FNOs are aware of the services that are located within the servitude, in order to prevent accidental disruptions to existing services for residents. However, there can be instances where services are laid at incorrect depths, which leads to problems later on. For example, some services that are laid in the servitude might need repair or maintenance, such as replacing a water pipe, and fibre lines get damaged in the process.

Temporary pain for long-term gain

Traditional trenching is an invasive process and residents in areas where this is actively happening will know the frustration of having trenches not only throughout their neighbourhood, but even through their driveways and, in some cases, verge gardens. However, once the fibre has been laid, the holes closed, and the grass and gardens grow back, the frustration becomes a memory as residents start benefiting from cost-effective, broadband internet connectivity.

FNOs have looked at reducing traditional trenching in servitudes by turning to microtrenching, where a machine with a huge blade is used to cut small holes in the road, before fibre optic cables are laid and the holes are closed and resurfaced. However, the aforementioned challenges remain, as various services also cross the roads, and operators use ground scanning equipment in order to avoid disrupting other services when they create pathways for their fibre network.

Then, there can be instances where the road surface is brittle and can be damaged by microtrenching. FNOs need to keep all of this top of mind as trenching and then repairing afterwards is an expensive exercise – once they start cutting into a road, the local roads agency will hold them accountable for the fixes.

FNOs are continually looking at ways of improving communication with communities where fibre is to be deployed – and especially where trenching will take place – as well as making sure that driveways and verges are rehabilitated, and that areas of the road that they work on are fixed.

Ultimately, FNOs are looking to bring access to cost-effective broadband internet to as many South Africans as possible and this requires that they look at multiple network deployment methodologies – including those that reduce costs and speed up deployment times – in order to make this a reality. And, this reduction of costs is passed on to end users, enabling them to access more digital services and opportunities. In the next part of the article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of aerial fibre, and how this deployment method can help operators extend their coverage in high-density communities.

How aerial fibre brings affordable, reliable internet to more South Africans

We previously looked at how traditional large suburbs have ample servitude space that allows for conventional trenching, but this is not as easily available as network operators look to expand into more densely populated communities. Here, the aerial fibre approach is taken, where fibre optic cables are strung from poles, in a similar manner to how legacy copper networks were rolled out for telephony services – or how electricity is still distributed in many communities.

This is not an uncommon deployment methodology and is used even in developed countries such as the United Kingdom to provide fibre connectivity to high-density neighbourhoods. Aerial fibre also helps better tackle the challenge of adequately catering to the number of users within a property. In traditional suburbs, the number of users per erf is more certain, while in more dense neighbourhoods, there can be uncertainty about the number of homes that need to be connected within a particular property. FNOs deploying aerial fibre also do not have to worry about addresses, as they can just look at which is the closest pole to the user.

This method also gives operators flexibility during the design phase as they do not have to overbuild in advance, as the requirement for additional capacity in a particular community can be easily addressed. In the conventional trenched approach, operators have one chance to plan properly as they don’t want to go back and trench again.

FNOs adopting the aerial approach just need to ensure that their poles are erected to the correct heights as required. Depending on whether it is located within the suburb, along a minor road, or a major trunk road, height restrictions will vary in order to facilitate the safe movement of large vehicles. While aerial fibre deployments require fewer people on-site, due to the lack of trenching, erecting poles correctly and at the right height requires that contractors have the necessary skills and specialised equipment.

There are few instances where additional poles need to be installed and the only available space is within someone’s erf, which first requires the permission of the land owner. This is generally avoided where possible, because in certain circumstances these poles can become a security risk.

A disadvantage of aerial fibre deployments is that the cables are exposed to the elements. For example, strong wind conditions can cause the cables to break. Another example is when cables contract (when it is cold) and expand (when it is hot), and this continuous movement ultimately impacts the lifespan of the infrastructure. The good thing is that because the cables are just strung up on poles, breaks can be easily identified – as opposed to trenched fibre where advanced detection equipment is needed – and fixed or replaced. In addition, being private sector players with a brand and reputation to protect, FNOs tend to ensure that their poles are well-maintained and cables are strung to requirements.

For the community, by the community

With traditional suburbs being saturated with fibre, and operators looking to further expand their networks into densely populated communities, it is very likely that this will be achieved through the use of aerial fibre. Such a method of deployment allows FNOs to get into more areas and bring users fibre connectivity at a rate that they can afford.

Aerial fibre is also ideal as maintenance becomes easier – the network operator knows which string provides a particular user with connectivity and which pole they are connected to. Once people get used to the reliability and stability of fibre, network interruptions can be especially frustrating; as a result of the aerial deployment methodology, the network operator can respond more quickly and take the necessary action to restore connectivity.

Of course, there is the concern that aerial fibre, with its exposed infrastructure, might be more prone to being targeted by criminal activity. It is quite likely that there will be theft in the beginning, before criminals quickly realise that there is no resale value to the fibre optic cables. FNOs are also turning to the communities themselves in order to take care of the infrastructure that has been brought in, by using locals for a variety of activities ranging from sales to activations, while contractors are encouraged to have local maintenance teams.

Ultimately, fibre is going to add value to the local economy and help uplift communities, and community members will look to protect infrastructure as it makes a difference in their lives, by bringing broadband connectivity to all.

Ready to take the leap and get connected with Fibre? Check for coverage here!

Frogfoot partners with 21 charities to launch 2023 National Blanket Drive

Frogfoot schools rugby 7s tournament shaping up to deliver high-energy entertainment

Open-access fibre network provider Frogfoot, which has a presence throughout South Africa, is proud to launch a schools rugby 7s tournament that will culminate in a grand final in Pretoria. Along with its partners Vodacom, Vox, Cool Ideas, Afrihost and Joule, Frogfoot is delighted to bring joy to communities in the form of the televised Frogfoot 7s tournament, which will take place for at least the next 3 years.

The tournament, which will take place at various schools around the country in August, September and October, will work towards a grand climax at Loftus in Pretoria on 5 November. Miranda Du Preez, Head of Brand Activations at Frogfoot, says that the idea for the tournament was born from the wish to give something back to communities, especially in light of current challenges and the drought of festival-type events brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, while also providing another platform for South Africa’s immensely talented school players to shine.

Du Preez says: “We have designed the Frogfoot 7s to be a combination of good rugby and family leisure time, with entertainment for young to old, from the games themselves, to fun activities and entertainment sections. A great tradition in rugby sevens globally is dressing up, and so we can’t wait to give the best-dressed supporters great prizes, alongside other competition prizes made possible through our partnership with Vodacom, Vox, Cool Ideas, Afrihost and Joule.”

Vodacom’s Executive Head of FTTH: Sales and Marketing, Strini Micheal, says that as one of the internet service providers (ISP) on the Frogfoot network, Vodacom Fibre wanted to further solidify their partnership and support a sport that brings people and families together.

“As the late great Nelson Mandela said: ‘Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand’. This is a statement which resonates with Vodacom being a purpose-led organisation, especially during these trying times. This is a great opportunity to bring the communities together,” says Michael.

Vox’s Head of Strategic Marketing, Blanka Sulentic, says that Vox has been partnering with Frogfoot in the delivery of fibre connectivity to local communities it serves, and so partnering for the rugby 7s competition brings further synergy to their relationship and allows partners to engage, connect and uplift communities through sport.

“The school rugby players have the opportunity to attract the attention of sports scouts looking for new talent. Being a televised event, it’s a perfect opportunity for the young talent to shine. And of course, our aim is to raise awareness about the benefits of fibre connectivity, which is changing the way we live, study, work and play,” says Blanka.

Michael Van Onselen, Commercial Sales Manager of ISP Cool Ideas, says the business is always looking for opportunities to support communities, schools and sport in South Africa. “The Frogfoot 7s is a cool event – which is echoed in our name – and it brings these elements together: schools, communities and sport.

“Sport has an amazing ability to positively impact society. Whether it’s helping children, communities or even nations, sports make a difference on a daily basis. We are looking forward to the Frogfoot 7s. The same energy the rugby players bring on the field you will find off the field – super-fast, fun and energetic, with a few cool prizes up for grabs on the day!”

Afrihost’s Brand Creative Manager said being involved in the festival was a natural evolution of the ISP’s relationship with Frogfoot. “We believe the internet plays a crucial role in education by bringing a world of knowledge to the innovators of tomorrow. Afrihost and Frogfoot already have an established partnership and for the past few years have been offering schools across South Africa free fibre. The sevens competition is a natural extension of our partnership – after all, a healthy mind and healthy body go hand in hand.”

Commenting on the Rugby 7s, Du Preez says: “This is an exciting opportunity for Under-17 school players to test their skills against schools nationally, with the opportunity to play on one of the best fields in South Africa if they make it to the final.

Rugby 7s is a fast, high-scoring version of traditional rugby, played between two teams of seven players who have 14 minutes to advance. Frogfoot brought on board nine leading schools in our regions to host 10 game days. Each host school will invite 16 opponent schools for a day of high level, competitive, U17’s rugby sevens. The tournament will start in August and end on 5 November, in the final at Loftus.

Du Preez says: “Hopefully we create excitement around the sport and the players can express their potential against other players from schools around the country, while their families and the border community have an opportunity to join in on the festivities, including games, live music and much more. It is an event to celebrate both the sport and the positive impact it has on everyone.”

For more information, members of the public are invited to follow Frogfoot’s social media pages.

Video: Frogfoot proudly presents the Frogfoot 7s!

The programme of events for the competition is as follows:

What is Fibre?

Whether you are online for entertainment or strictly for business, there is no doubt that a faster connection will improve your experience. There has been an increase in the use of Fibre in today’s world and more people are moving away from ADSL to Fibre connections. In order to fully understand what makes Fibre so froggin’ awesome we need to take a step back and start with the basics.

What is Fibre?

A fibre optic connection sends data at incredible speeds using fibre optic cables. For data transmission, light pulses are used instead of copper wires and electricity, which is a more efficient method than that of a traditional copper line. A copper line depends purely on the transmission of electrical currents to perform the same function, but as the current travels over a longer distance, the line deteriorates, and the speed becomes slower. Fibre optic cable can manage a higher frequency range and therefore more data can be transmitted.

What is the difference between ADSL and Fibre?

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It is a broadband connection that transmits data through the copper wires of existing phone lines. When it comes to broadband speed, ADSL can be unreliable – how much speed you can get depends very much on how far you live from your telephone line pole. The further the telephone pole the slower the speed of your line. Congestion on your line with a copper cable is very common, the higher the traffic speed the slower your download speed.

Fibre broadband is better, faster, and more reliable than that of standard ADSL internet and is delivered to homes and businesses through fibre optic cables. Fibre can handle higher amounts of traffic without affecting your upload or download speed. The Fibre optic cables are less prone to interference, which means there is less risk of disruption to your network and they are resistant to corrosion, which also makes them more durable.

Why choose Fibre?

1. Fibre is reliable, it can handle more users and more data at a consistently high speed.
2. You can upload and download files quickly.
3. No throttling – level up your gaming experience, video chat with friends and family without any buffering.
4. Connecting your home’s CCTV camera to your Fibre, will allow for you to have full access 24/7 on what is happening around your home and neighbourhood.
5. You can download a 2 hour HD movie in seconds, compared to waiting 30 minutes with an ADSL line. Fibre offers higher bandwidth than ADSL and can be used for both homes and businesses.

Now that you know the difference and the benefits, it’s time for you to take the leap forward and discover the world of Fibre. With over 140 Internet Service Providers on our network, you can make a choice that will suit your budget. For more information please watch our video.

Visit our website to check for coverage and place your order here!