Why we should be using existing infrastructure for installation
Sustainability is at the forefront of our collective consciousness, influencing everything from individual lifestyle choices to large-scale corporate strategies. Despite this widespread awareness, it is surprising to see major network operators, including giants like Openreach, continuing to invest heavily in new cabling infrastructure for FTTP installations.
This investment persists even when existing cabling infrastructure, perfectly capable of meeting current demands, is readily available. The environmental impact of such practices, involving carbon-intensive processes, is unnecessary and unavoidable.
The Environmental Cost of New Cabling
The process of installing new internet cabling involves extensive use of raw materials, energy-intensive manufacturing processes, and substantial logistical efforts to transport and install the cables. Each of these steps contributes to a larger carbon footprint, exacerbating the ongoing climate crisis. In many cases, existing cabling infrastructure is dismissed prematurely, despite actually being fully functional and capable of supporting current and future internet needs.
By utilising existing cabling infrastructure, we can reduce the need for disruptive roadworks and the manufacturing of materials, and therefore minimise the carbon emissions associated with the installation of new cabling.
Overbuilding
Fibre overbuild is the deployment of duplicate and excessive fibre-optic infrastructure. It comes with a number of associated risks as overbuilding parallel fibre infrastructures not only increases costs and disruption, but also poses risks for customers and companies.
When larger network operators overbuild each other, it results in more operators using the same limited customer base. Smaller networks already face the challenge of building a strong customer base and investing heavily in laying fibre infrastructure. To then be undercut by larger competitors not only threatens the financial viability of the smaller network providers, but also hampers innovation and competition with the industry and offers less choice for consumers.
Build Smarter Connections
As the planet’s need for high-speed, reliable internet only increases, so does the need to create a fairer, more sustainable and regulated internet market. One way to move forward is to utilise existing cabling infrastructure. Modern advancements in technology have made it possible to upgrade and enhance the performance of existing cables, ensuring they can continue to deliver high-speed internet efficiently and reliably.
This approach will not only minimise environmental impacts, but also reduce the costs and disruption associated with laying new cabling infrastructure. It will also challenge major corporations to rethink their infrastructure strategies going forward and ensure they prioritise sustainability alongside innovation and growth.
As we continue to face the realities of climate change, it is vital that all sectors, including the technology and telecommunications industries, take a proactive stance in reducing their environmental impacts. The shift towards using existing cables is not just a technical advancement; it is a crucial step towards being more responsible with our planet’s resources and building better digital infrastructures.