Google fibre method "could save NBN $10 billion"

By Ry Crozier on Jul 26, 2010 6:56 AM
Filed under Networking

Aussie firm eyes NBN work.

A fibre-laying technique being used by Google in an experimental US fibre network project could reduce the cost of the NBN by up to $10 billion, according to a local company that has licensed the technology.

Broadband Network Communications (BBNC) had tendered to use "micro-trenching" to roll out fibre in urban areas to be covered by Australia's national broadband network.

BBNC's managing director Joe Tokarczuk told iTnews the technique allowed fibre to be deployed in a straight line up to a "kilometre a day" - much farther than was possible with other methods.

He said BBNC could deploy fibre in Telstra's existing ducts or bypass them altogether, laying it instead in a "micro-trench".

The trench was dug using equipment that could be mounted as an attachment to existing plant - for example, a bobcat.

Google has produced a video that showed overseas operators employing micro-trenching as part of the search giant's Fiber for Communities project.

Tokarczuk said BBNC had held discussions with NBN Co in an attempt to convince the government-owned company to employ the technique as part of Australia's next-generation network construction process.

It was understood that BBNC was using CCTS Telecommunications as its construction partner in NBN-related proposals, although the technique could be used by anyone bidding for NBN work.

NBN Co was about to start work on stage one of the network at five mainland sites with another 14 sites to follow in stage two. These were all largely 'brownfields' sites - built-up areas that could potentially benefit from the micro-trenching technique.

Only one site in stage one - the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick - was yet to be awarded to a network construction firm or consortium. Telstra is vying for this contract, which - if awarded - would be the incumbent's first build win for the NBN.

Tokarczuk said BBNC had worked with overseas partners for "about one-to-two years" to bring micro-trenching to Australia, and had since secured Australian patents for the technique.

Google fibre method "could save NBN $10 billion"

8 comments in this discussion

"@Raj: LOL, who knows... may turn out like the RIM fiasco. Seemed a 'good idea' at the time... hahaha (cheap 'n nasty maybe...)"

By RaTTyRaTT

Tags

nbnco, nbn, broadband, network, national, google, fiber, communities, fibre, laying, microtrenching

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Comments: 8

JayJ Jul 26, 2010 12:32 PM	Micro-trenching was in use in New Zealand to put telephone cables underground as early as 1975. NZ Post & Telegraph developed the technique and designed and built the equipment. I was employed on a team that was using this technique around about that time. So much for Google's "innovation". And I hope that companies check out the much older patent history. I have no doubt that Telecom NZ could easily claim prior invention through its ancestral organization.
NASA Jul 26, 2010 2:09 PM	The Slot-cut fibre deployment method (of micro-trenching) is the way of the future for broadband deployments, especially in 'brownfields' locations. This technology is an expanding 2009/2010 innovation, its not anything like the 1975 solution. Google wouldn't be looking at it if it wasn't right on the mark. This deployment methodology is not patented by Google (you can check out IP Australia for patents). Google have simply done what all good companies do when searching for the best possible deployment models. They've done their research and are looking for what all deployers of neworks should be looking for: low disruption to the community, efficiency, the best network and best value for money. NBN Co should be doing the same. And the government should be ensuring tax payers get value for their money when deploying it.
Rossyduck Jul 26, 2010 3:10 PM	NASA - spot on comments. NBN Co have an interest in inflating the build cost where this is financed by a public purse blank cheque. The other sad aspect - they have their fixed turn of the century out-of-touch method of doing things - which also excludes Australian products - and have really squandered opportunities to educate themselves or try something different. The "you never got fired for ordering IBM" mindset of a management group with little experience in FttH.
beachJ Jul 26, 2010 3:46 PM	This has already been trialled in Australia in preparation for the NBN. Construction company Lucas has done a joint venture with a French Company called SA Marais (Lucas Marais). Think the trial was done in tassie in preparation for the NBN there
TIMT Jul 26, 2010 7:40 PM	My understanding is the Lucas-Marais machine is a mini trenching machine designed for laying conventional 100mm ducts and there are pics of this machine being used to lay ducts alongside major roads. The methodology described in this article is a microslot/microtrench generally less than 30mm wide and specifically targeted at FTTH or point to point deployments in built up "brownfields" residential areas. Its main advantages are speed of deployment and minimal environmental damage with negligible reinstatement required, compared with conventional trenching. NBN Co should definitely be considering this technology for fibre installation to the majority of the country.
the_crane Jul 26, 2010 9:27 PM	I can't believe you could use this method in Brownfields. There is a telecommunication alignment along the footpath which is where the teleco's are expected to lay their ducts. I don't think they would like a saw blade cutting across their cables. The risk of cutting into water, gas and power would be too high a risk. Telco company's want their ducts down to a depth of 600mm along a footpath, not 9 inches. NBNCo are after a 100mm duct to lay their fibre. The video shows a trench that would support a direct buried fibre. It won't work!
Raj Jul 29, 2010 4:32 PM	Wonder if micro-trenching will cost more in longer term ... Bad luck Rossyduck..NBN Co's IT Datacentre was setup and run by IBM.
RaTTyRaTT Jul 30, 2010 10:28 AM	@Raj: LOL, who knows... may turn out like the RIM fiasco. Seemed a 'good idea' at the time... hahaha (cheap 'n nasty maybe...)