[LINK] An Overhead NBN

[Frank O'Connor]

Mmmm,

You'd think that using the poles rather than the ducts would be cheaper, quicker and much less labour intensive, and as a bonus easier to diagnose and repair when/if trouble hits. That said, leaving the cable/fibre open to the elements may make it a bit less reliable.

Jan, as probably the only person on the Link List who has actually spliced fibre and participated in running an optic fibre network ... what are your thoughts?
---
On 7 Nov 2013, at 11:53 pm, stephen at melbpc.org.au wrote:

>> 
>> Overall wouldn't powerpole NBN FTTH optical be cheaper than FTTN systems? 
>> 
> 
> The Electrical Trade Union NBN construction co-ordinator David Mier said: 
> 
> "Utilising the existing electricity poles and wires - which already run 
> down most streets in the country - would slash construction costs, allowing 
> a world-class, high-speed fibre-to-the-home broadband network to be 
> delivered cheaper and quicker than the model Mr Turnbull took to the 
> Federal Election."
> 
> 
> Answer in Sight over National Broadband Network Cabling
> 
> BY SHELLEY HADFIELD, HERALD SUN, NOVEMBER 07, 2013 9:00PM
> 
> THE company rolling out the National Broadband Network says it will 
> consider more above-ground cabling in Victoria.
> 
> The massive project is currently the subject of a comprehensive strategic 
> review.
> 
> Asked if NBN Co would think about lifting the ratio of above-ground cabling 
> in Victoria, spokesman Andrew Sholl said all rollout options were under the 
> microscope.
> 
> "Everything is under consideration at the moment - there are no 'no-go 
> areas' in the strategic review," Mr Sholl said.
> 
> He said if power utilities or the State Government wanted more overhead 
> cabling, they must put their case to NBN Co or the Federal Government.
> 
> No case has yet been put by Victoria.
> 
> The Electrical Trade Union has weighed into the debate, welcoming a push 
> for a large part of the NBN to be rolled out above ground.
> 
> "We've yet to be presented with any firm proposal to use more overhead 
> infrastructure," Mr Sholl said.
> 
> "We already have a 30-year deal to lease Telstra's network of underground 
> pipes, the intention of which is to keep construction costs down and to 
> minimise disruption to the community."
> 
> Any renegotiation of the deal would hinge upon the outcome of the strategic 
> review, he said.
> 
> Recommendations will be contained in the strategic review, which will go to 
> the Federal Government on December 2.
> 
> The Electrical Trade Union advocates overhead cabling as a better and more 
> cost-effective technique.
> 
> ETU NBN construction co-ordinator David Mier said: "Utilising the existing 
> electricity poles and wires - which already run down most streets in the 
> country - would slash construction costs, allowing a world-class, high-
> speed fibre-to-the-home broadband network to be delivered cheaper and 
> quicker than the model Mr Turnbull took to the Federal Election," Mr Mier 
> said.
> --
> 
> Cheers,
> Sephen
> 
> 
> 
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> 
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> 
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