You may have noticed that Tilson talks a lot about microtrenching, but what does it actually involve? In March 2023, the Fiber Broadband Association released a Whitepaper, Deployment Best Practice: Microtrenching Accelerates Fiber, which highlighted the microtrenching method of fiber deployment compared to the other methods of underground construction in telecommunications. The need for faster and more reliable internet is growing fast, and the historic investment in information infrastructure has demanded innovative, safe, efficient and timely construction techniques.
In busy cities and residential areas where laying cables can be difficult due to traffic and existing infrastructure, Tilson addresses these challenges by using specialized equipment called microtrenchers. These machines allow for the quick and safe installation of fiber optic cables by cutting narrow trenches instead of digging large holes like traditional installation methods. This minimizes disruption to roads, sidewalks, and landscapes, which is important in cities where space is limited, and traffic flow must remain steady.
In Las Vegas and other cities across the Southwest, Tilson operates microtrenching crews to install hundreds of thousands of miles of fiber optic cables for various fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) projects. Tilson uses two types of microtrenching machines: large truck-mounted microtrenchers and smaller compact units brought in on trailers for neighborhood work. These machines are equipped with specialized cutting tools and feature remote operation for precise and safe work. They also include a built-in debris vacuum system to minimize construction mess.
Each crew includes a driver and an operator for the trucks, or just an operator for the smaller machines. It might come as a surprise, but the operator can actually control the machine from a remote-control box while standing behind it, directing the blades to cut trenches as deep as 12 inches along predetermined routes. Check out the other key parts of the smaller machine in the graphic below.
Before we start digging on any job site, Tilson follows several preliminary steps. First, we work closely with local authorities to secure permits and ensure adherence to safe and approved methods for construction. Once permits are approved, our next step involves meticulously locating and marking utility lines. This process is critical for effectively planning the routes where fiber cables will be installed, minimizing disruptions and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Finally, we implement stringent traffic controls to uphold safety standards while microtrenching, ensuring that most roads remain accessible throughout the construction process.
Once the route plan receives the necessary permits and approvals and the job site is secure, our crews bring in the microtrencher. Safety is always our top priority at Tilson, and our operators wear protective gear from the beginning to the end of the construction process. Using the microtrencher, the operator guides a blade to cut a narrow trench along the edge of the road, reducing noise and dust with a cover. A vacuum hose attached to the trencher collects debris, maintaining a clean and safe work environment. We then place fiber cables inside protective conduit within the trench, ensuring seamless connections to fiber internet for homes. Finally, we backfill the trench, bury the cables, patch the trench and tidy up the area, including any affected sidewalks.
The adoption of microtrenching brings several advantages:
Microtrenching is more than just laying cables in the ground—it plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and represents Tilson’s commitment to building America’s information infrastructure by adapting and innovating to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Microtrenching is one of many techniques Tilson’s uses to build the infrastructure that connects homes, businesses, and schools nationwide to the fastest, most reliable fiber internet.