Benefits of Microtrenching: Connecting Homes and Businesses Faster
Tilson is on a mission designing and building America’s information infrastructure, bringing high-speed fiber internet to communities from coast to coast. Our team self-performs the construction and installation of fiber optic networks using new and improved fiber construction techniques including horizontal directional drilling and microtrenching.
As a leading nationwide network deployment firm, Tilson recruits, hires, and trains new operators, drill locators, and other outside plant positions as we continue our historic growth nationwide. Read on to understand why Tilson uses these game-changing fiber construction technologies and discover the reasons why you should join Tilson’s Outside Plant crews.
What is Microtrenching and How Does it Work?
Microtrenching is a unique process that enables the fast, safe, and environmentally friendly installation of fiber internet using a specialized machine, called a microtrencher, to dig extremely narrow trenches in the ground. Tilson uses this technology to create channels only an inch or two wide for the placement of fiber broadband cables, eliminating the time-consuming need of excavating large trenches along fiber routes.
Guided by a team of trained operators, the microtrencher cuts a preplanned route along roads or sidewalks to avoid underground utilities. As the machine cuts, the small amount of debris and dust is simultaneously removed and safely contained via a special vacuum attached to the machine. Once the trench is cut, crews quickly install fiber cables and restore the area. From start to finish, the whole process can be completed in a single day thanks to the speed and precision of the microtrencher.
An Accelerated, Cost-Effective Solution for Fiber Installation
Microtrenching means more fiber in more neighborhoods in less time, allowing Tilson to connect homes, buildings, and businesses faster than ever before. Microtrenching has a multitude of benefits when compared to traditional fiber installation methods, including:
Less Disruptive to the Public – Unlike traditional trenching, microtrenching creates narrow channels in precise locations, reducing the disruption to surrounding infrastructure. Often, roads can remain open to the public during installation, reducing the inconvenience for residents and businesses. The small amount of debris from microtrenching is neatly controlled, nearly eliminating all construction dust in the process.
Smaller Environmental Footprint – Microtrenching creates the smallest trench needed for the job, greatly reducing excavation waste and limiting environmental disturbances. Along with this overall smaller environmental footprint, microtrenching is fast, allowing the environment to return to normal in a fraction of the time compared to traditional trenching.
Faster Installation and Reduced Project Costs – Microtrenching accelerates project timelines, allowing for faster installation of fiber services with fewer resources. This reduces service downtime and means clients and communities can more quickly begin using newly installed infrastructure. In addition, the costs for labor, permitting, and restoration from a microtrenching project are far less than a traditional trenching project.
Greater Public Safety – Microtrenching eliminates large, open trenches that pose a safety risk in the right of way. In addition, the speed of the process means construction equipment spends less time around public roadways and sidewalks, reducing the chance of accidents.
Why You Should Join Tilson’s Outside Plant Team
For Tilson’s crew members, microtrenching and our approach to fiber installation provide benefits that set us apart from our competitors. Consider joining our team for the many benefits below:
Improved Crew Safety – Tilson’s number one value is safety and microtrenching is one of many techniques we’ve adopted to help keep our employees safe. Since the trenches from this technique are only an inch or two wide, this means no trips, falls, or cave ins from large open trenches. The process also greatly reduces dust exposure, creating a cleaner, healthier jobsite.
New Career Skills and Job Growth – Tilson provides on the job training and follows the highest industry standards, giving employees a competitive advantage in the job market. New job skills open career pathways for those interested in advancement.
Generous Benefits Package – Tilson employees receive industry-leading benefits including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision, employer-matched 401(k), 15+ paid days off, 16-week paid parental leave policy, 15 days paid military leave, no-cost life and disability insurance, monthly cellphone stipend, and more!
Stable Work Environment – Tilson self-performs over 90% of our own work, which means we know the length of each project and the work we have planned for years to come. With year-round work even in cold environments, there’s no more uncertainty of how long a project will last or if layoffs are coming. Tilson provides a stable, long-term work environment for all our team members.
If you’re looking to join a growing team that uses the newest equipment to tackle groundbreaking telecommunications projects, offers training and advancement opportunities, provides competitive compensation, and has an industry-leading benefits package, apply to one of Tilson’s open positions.
