The construction of a fiber-optic network is a complex and lengthy process. Numerous contractors are involved and the entire process can take six to 12 months to complete, depending upon the length of the circuit, the terrain and soils, weather, and other external factors. Most PGEC distribution lines are a mix of overhead and underground construction. The following discussion covers the phases of construction along overhead distribution lines. You can see each step below:

Step 1: Make Ready Engineering

After an in-house design of the fiber build to the distribution access point, field engineers go to each pole to determine if any modifications are required in order to support the fiber, keeping in mind NESC clearance requirements.

Step 2: Make Ready Construction

Line crews will change poles, move transformers from one side of the pole to the other, move wires on the pole, add new anchors to the poles, and perform other work to allow the fiber to be placed later.

Step 3: Fiber Construction

Crews pull self-supporting cable as designed by the staking engineers and install distribution pedestals along the route to allow for service drops.

Step 4: Splicing

Once the fiber is placed, splicers will make splices at each end and tap point. They splice the necessary cables at each point and mount the splices in enclosures secured to the distribution poles or in pedestals.

Step 5: Service Drop Design and Construction

A staking engineer schedules a brief on-site meeting with each member to select the precise location for their service drop. This is a joint decision between the staking engineer and member, which takes into account both the preferences of the homeowner and feasibility from a construction perspective, taking into consideration any known, potential in-ground obstructions, such as water well or septic tank lines. This work can be done in parallel with some of the earlier work, or it might be done after the mainline fiber is in place. The drop crews install a fiber cable from the nearest splice point to the structure receiving service and leave coils of fiber in each location for the splicer to make appropriate connections.

Step 6: Drop Splicing

The final outdoor step in fiber construction is the splicing of the drop. The splicer connects the last length of fiber at the distribution pedestal. The service is now ready to turn over to RURALBAND for service installation at the home.

Step 7: Service Point Installation and Final Turn-Up

On the day of installation, the install technician will bring the final length of fiber at the home into an indoor/ outdoor demarcation closure at the previously determined location. They will then sleeve an armored fiber cable to the inside of the home, where the router will be mounted directly to the wall. At this point, the process is complete and the service is active.