BENEFITS

The Fast2Fibre (F2F) extraction and replacement technology offers multiple commercial and environmental advantages over conventional fibre optic installation and power cable replacement methods. Upgrading copper cable or replacing power cable networks currently involves significant civil engineering works that can absorb 80% of the budget and cause major public disruption as well increased enviromental impact.

ECONOMICAL

  • Typical F2F extraction costs are 60+% less than traditional digging and reinstatement methods in urban and city environments. Digging in urban areas represents approximately 80% of fibre installation/cable replacement budgets; a 60% reduction therefore offers a potential 48% total cost reduction.
  • Existing cable sheaths from which the inner core has been extracted can be used for new cables, avoiding the costly process of installation from scratch.
  • The risk of damage and expensive repairs to utilities and existing infrastructure is virtually eliminated.

FAST

  • The start of works is accelerated. Lengthy planning delays are avoided as fewer planning permissions are required due to reduced road/footpath/site excavation closure and reinstatement. In conservation areas permission to trench may be denied completely.
  • The speed of operation is greatly increased; one F2F crew of 3-4 can extract up to 500+m/day (subject to cable type and environment) whilst an excavation crew may only complete 50-200m/day dependent on location.
  • Rapid delivery to market and income; fibre/cable upgrade programmes are expedited, enabling critical growth and increase of market share.

STRAIGHTFORWARD

  • The F2F technical team works with clients to assess requirements, train, advise, support and provide technical feedback throughout.
  • A unique F2F cable ‘ID’ database identifies the target cable for extraction. This can be accessed by the client, enabling identification of which cables can be extracted by the F2F process.
  • The process has been developed and tested to be as straightforward as possible and enable civil contractors to take ownership of the cable extraction procedure.
  • The equipment is designed to minimise operator error. F2F will monitor performance and feedback recommendations to the client on achieving maximum levels of productivity and efficiency.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

  • The physical impact on the environment is greatly reduced due to minimal excavation.
  • Pollution is also reduced due to expedited schedules, less use of heavy machinery and local traffic disruption
  • The bio-degradable fluids used in the process are fully certified. F2F provides material safety data sheets* for all start up and trial projects containing information relating to the safe handling and use of the product. (*Prepared in accordance with EC Directives 1999/45/EC and 2001/58/EC)

FLEXIBLE, RELIABLE AND
SCALABLE

  • F2F can extract the majority of cable inner cores with a variety of cable type solutions.
  • F2F has laboratory and field tested extraction of more than 400 cables, details of which are held on the F2F cable ‘ID’ database.
  • 50,000+m of cable have been successfully pulled in trials, the longest cable to date being 1600m.
  • All ‘new to F2F’ cables will be laboratory and field tested to calibrate reliable extraction parameters.
  • Progress and performance are monitored onsite and remotely using machine to machine Industry 4 technology and reports provided to the client.