Benefits of Micro-Trenching & Why It’s The Next “Big Thing” In The Telecom Industry

The cost of laying fiber is often the biggest expense when it comes to bringing broadband to new areas. However, there is a new technique that is worth considering for fiber construction. Although it's been around for a few years, micro trenching is gaining acceptance as a less expensive way to lay fiber.

Deploying fiber cable can be difficult to explain to corporate boards and city planners. It requires uprooting concrete and moving dirt, which can seem unnecessary for something as small as optical fiber. Even showing a strand of fiber, which is not much thicker than a strand of hair, can be challenging. Digging up streets and landscapes to trench down four feet or to set up deep bore pits can also be excessive. Climbing up a pole in a thunderstorm to string fiber cabling is dangerous. However, deploying fiber cable in a micro-sized trench that is little more than an inch wide and less than a foot deep seems like a more reasonable idea.

Diagram illustrating micro trenching and the relative depth / width of the trench .

Micro trenching is a unique process that enables fast, safe, and eco-friendly installation of fiber internet using a specialized machine called a micro-trencher to dig extremely narrow trenches in the ground. Many companies use this technology to create channels only an inch or two wide and up to two feet deep for the placement of multiple fiber broadband cables, eliminating the time-consuming need to excavate large trenches along fiber routes.

Guided by a team of trained operators, the micro-trencher cuts a pre-planned 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 micro-trencher.

The image highlights a micro trencher in action and the visual of a micro trench on an asphalt road. 

Micro trenching means more fiber in more neighborhoods in less time, allowing telecom companies to connect homes, buildings, and businesses faster than ever before. Micro trenching has a multitude of benefits when compared to traditional fiber installation methods, including:

Less Disruption to the Public - Micro trenching is a modern technique that creates narrow channels in specific locations. It reduces the disruption to surrounding infrastructure and is less inconvenient for residents and businesses. Also, there is less debris from micro trenching, which makes construction dust almost non-existent.

Smaller Environmental Footprint - Micro trenching has a smaller environmental impact as it creates the smallest trench needed for the job and greatly reduces excavation waste. It is also a fast technique that allows the environment to return to normal quickly. It is a sensible technique in areas where soil disturbance is not allowed.

Faster Installation and Reduced Project Costs - Micro trenching accelerates project timelines, allowing for faster installation of fiber services with fewer resources. This means clients and communities can use the newly installed infrastructure more quickly. Also, it is less expensive than traditional trenching, since labor, permitting, and restoration costs are lower. According to an article, crews can micro-trench 3,000 feet of fiber per day compared to 500 feet with traditional boring. This can save a lot of money for fiber construction.

Greater Public Safety - Lastly, micro trenching eliminates large, open trenches that pose a safety risk in the right of way. It involves digging a narrow and shallow trench that reduces the chance of accidents. This means construction equipment spends less time around public roadways and sidewalks, further reducing the risk of accidents.

The image demonstrates the proper handling of a micro trench construction site by construction workers.

Micro-trenching has revolutionized the installation of underground utilities, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional trenching methods. With its narrow and shallow trenches, micro trenching provides precise and accurate installations while minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment. Its applications in telecommunications, smart city infrastructure, and utility installations make micro trenching a versatile solution for various industries. As technology continues to advance, micro trenching is expected to play an increasingly significant role in shaping our future infrastructure. 

Image includes Micro Trenching equipment ABS Rents offers for rent/sale nationwide.

Contact ABS Rents today to learn more about the micro-trenching equipment available for rent or sale!