Swiss fibre-optic cable manufacturer Huber+Suhner have launched a new modular FTTH solution that enables subscribers to partially install their own fibre. RESA is designed to make installations easier for both CSPs and customers, reducing the cost, time and resources required to roll out FTTH.
“We’re excited to see RESA accelerate FTTH deployments,” said Daniel Berz, Market Manager for Fixed Access Network at Huber+Suhner. “The convenience and flexibility to subscribers will greatly speed carriers’ network rollout as they can deliver more FTTH deployments in less time and at a lower cost.”
Carriers pre-install the RESA Splice Closure (SC) box underground in the street. Customers are then given simple instructions to enable them to install the last few meters of the FTTH connection within the boundaries of their own property.
The first part of RESA can be laid by the carrier in one pass, reducing a historically timely and costly process and substantially shortening the time customers have to wait for FTTH. The modular solution includes the buried RESA Splice Closure (RESA SC), the pre-connectorized Building Entry Point (RESA BEP) module and the pre-terminated Q-ODC-2 mini cable. The solution has been designed for harsh outdoor conditions (IP68) in a range of climates.
Berz adds: “The design greatly reduces the time and resources carriers need to expend to install FTTH. Its plug-and-play functionality makes installation easier, which streamlines the process and allows individual adaptions based on connectivity demands. It’s ideal for FTTH rollouts in rural or suburban residential areas, where there are plenty of single or dual family homes.”
Omnisperience’s View
Already in the UK we’ve seen fibre co-ops where non-traditional providers are digging fibre themselves to reduce the need for wayleaves, the cost of dig and to circumvent lengthy waiting lists in rural areas. Huber+Suhner have added another useful piece of kit that essentially democratises network build – the ability for customers to tap into a fibre network, using their own labour to reduce the cost of the final connection to the home. With some CSPs quoting thousands of pounds for this final connection and the skilled workforce at a premium, the ability to simplify rollout and utilise a wider workforce of tradesmen and homeowners to speed rollout is welcome. If CSPs are willing to support this new approach, then we believe there are many customers who’d be willing to roll up their sleeves.
