Alternative Fiber Deployment Methods Series

Focus #1:  MicroTrenching: A Game-Changer for Urban Deployments 

Cities and residential neighborhoods all over the world face an ever-increasing demand for reliable and fast internet to connect their workers, inform critical public services, and power communications and entertainment. But fiber installers have serious challenges to overcome to install efficiently and with minimal disruption. MicroTrenching, a cutting-edge installation method, is revolutionizing the way we deploy. 
 
What is MicroTrenching? 
 
A MicroTrench installation typically goes like this:  

1. Sawcutting a narrow, shallow trench in roadways or sidewalks, usually 1 to 5 inches wide at depths of 20 inches or less 
2. Laying conduit, backfill, jet cable into the trench 
3. Backfilling the trench with a protective material and sealing it 

Unlike traditional trenching methods that often require wide and deep excavations, MicroTrenching's narrow cuts result in less damage to roads, sidewalks, and landscaping, and can provide yields of several hundred meters of fiber laid per day.

Where Is It Used? 

MicroTrenching has emerged as a game-changing innovation in fiber installations in a variety of densities and environments. Because it’s fast and minimally invasive, a MicroTrenching deployment is often the ideal choice for any situation that requires you to get in and out quickly, like:

• Dense urban environments with little room for large equipment, adjacent infrastructure that could be disrupted or damaged during the installation process, and complicated permitting and street blockage requirements.
• Drop and distribution in fiber-to-the-home deployments, where MicroTrenching can translate to lower costs per home than traditional deployment methods.  
• Rural backhaul deployments, where MicroTrenching’s speed can help crews lay fiber quickly and move on to the next stretch.

Why MicroTrench Over Other Deployment Methods? 

MicroTrenching presents several key advantages: 

1. Minimal Disruption
   One of the most significant benefits of MicroTrenching is the reduction in disruption it causes to the surface. The process is less intrusive than traditional underground methods, and unlike poles, the trenches often remain virtually unnoticed by residents.  
2. Cost-Effectiveness 
   MicroTrenching is usually about five times cheaper than conventional trenching. Because MicroTrenching is so precise and targets only the area needed for a MicroDuct or micro cable, installers can count on less excavation and surface restoration, and therefore lower labor and material costs.  
3. Faster Deployment 
   The speed of MicroTrenching is also a big plus for urban installations, especially for projects with tight deadlines. In some cases, fiber deployment can be installed in hours versus days with MicroTrenching—a typical MicroTrench installation can lay between 500 meters to 1 kilometer of fiber per day, significantly faster than traditional methods.  
4. Environmental Benefits 
   Because it’s less disruptive, MicroTrenching can be more environmentally friendly than traditional trenching methods. The smaller trenches mean less soil disturbance and a lower risk of damaging tree roots or disrupting habitats. And the reduced need for heavy machinery can help installers deploy with lower emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.

Challenges and Considerations 

As one among many deployment methods, MicroTrenching offers numerous advantages over traditional undergrounding, but it's not without its challenges, depending on the terrain, location, and permitting and regulatory landscape. Here are a few considerations to help you choose the right method for your build.