UK infrastructure projects are embracing safe digging practices with record-breaking numbers of people in the UK checking for underground pipes and cables before they start digging.
Mon, 11/04/2022 - 11:35
Drinking water pipes between Barnsley and Penistone are being trialled for use in the deployment of full fibre infrastructure.
Yorkshire Water, Arcadis and The University of Strathclyde plan to use 17km of live drinking water mains to connect 8,500 homes and businesses to full fibre as part of a government technology trial.
The trials will last for up to two years and, if successful, the technology could be operational in networks from 2024 onwards.
The network will also be used to set up 5G masts to connect hard-to-reach communities.
Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez (pictured) said: “Digging up roads and land is one of the biggest obstacles to rolling out faster broadband so we are exploring how we can make use of the existing water network.”
The first phase of the project is now underway, exploring legal and safety aspects of the Fibre in Water solution. The government has allocated £1.2m to the winning consortium to proceed with the design stage of the project. The remaining £2m funds will be granted once this stage has been reviewed.
This project will also explore how fibre solutions can aid the water industry, such as reducing water leaks by putting sensors in the pipes.
