Jul 21 2010
I3 APAC, a subsidiary of I3 Group, announced that it will demonstrate fiber-optic cable line deployment through sewer pipes for the New Zealand Government. The company is using sewer pipes to deploy the fiber optics, as it is more cost-efficient.
The company has already deployed fiber optics through sewers in Britain and has successfully connected two sites in Brisbane on a trial basis.
The New Zealand government is in the process of selecting companies to execute the $1.5 billion ultra fast broadband plan. The government has planned to try out different demonstrations on fiber-optic deployment. The Economic Development Ministry has projected that the passive infrastructure cost will account for 50% - 80% of the total network build cost.
Earlier sewer deployments in New York, Paris, and London were unsuccessful because the fastenings used to connect the fibre-optic cables to the roof of the sewer were destroyed in the toxic environment. However, I3 APAC has used a loosely laid fortified cable and laid it at the sewer bottom. This cable had no failures. The company has selected sewers that are minimally maintained to prevent blocking.
The company is manufacturing microtrenching gear in collaboration with JCB. In addition, the company is testing another system that utilizes mains water pipes for fiber deployment to comply with New Zealand standards.