A new 10-year strategy that “sits at the heart of plans to renew the UK” has been published by the government and will include proposals that are backed by £725bn in long-term funding for maintenance and major projects, which promises to “transform how infrastructure projects are planned and delivered”.
Thu, 27/02/2025 - 13:19
A new analysis by AssetHUB shows that reusing existing abandoned infrastructure could potentially save the UK’s broadband network builders millions in construction costs – helping speed up deployments, limit disruption and fibre overbuild, and reduce carbon emissions.
An estimated 40,000 kilometres of abandoned utility infrastructure – including gas and water pipes – could be used to reduce disruption when new high speed fibre optic cables need to be laid.
Openreach PIA already provides network builders with a cost-saving alternative to digging, but reusing unused infrastructure could be the answer to when PIA ducts or poles are not available.
Rob Leenderts, CEO at AssetHUB said: “While the installation of fibre is crucial for improved connectivity for communities, the process of digging up roads leads to significant public inconvenience.
“Utility infrastructure can overcome obstructions, and as these pipes and passages can cross roads, rivers and railways, and even in some cases provide routes to residents’ homes, they are uniquely positioned to be reused by network builders when rolling out fibre,” said Leenderts.
AssetHUB is urging all network builders be aware of existing local infrastructure of their fibre deployments to help enhance operations.
“Being able to map and see the infrastructure that can support connectivity rollouts, as well as make enquiries about the asset usage and costs on one platform offers a more sustainable and cost-effective approach,” Leenderts concluded.
