Experiences from construction and operation of OP cable plants in sewer systems

The current efforts to create new fiber optic access networks throughout Europe are driven by the booming demand for internet services, the liberalization of the markets with a host of new players and finally the lack of capacity of the traditional access networks. Sewers provide excellent opportunities for access networks, since they reach about every corner of the city and pass all potential customers. Utilizing sewers avoids bureaucratic digging approvals and reduces the cost below traditional digging installations. This paper reviews the technique and experiences gained from sewer installations during planning and construction of the sewer access networks, reviews the design of dedicated cables, and components and describes the cable laying robot and observations from operations.