Fruitvale to Nelson Fibre Optic Backbone Project
To improve connectivity, the Trust partnered with federal, provincial and local governments to extend a fibre optic backbone network between Fruitvale and Nelson to serve as a high-speed launching platform for Internet Service Providers wishing to offer their services to residents or businesses in the area.
This project received funding from the federal government through the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, the provincial government through the Connecting BC program, the Regional District of Central Kootenay and the Trust and was completed in 2024.
Key Dates
Map
Construction Techniques
The project will use a variety of installation methods including aerial and underground. Regardless of methodology, the Trust employs best practice techniques to minimize or eliminate impacts to residents, wildlife, the environment and locations of historical significance.
Aerial
Aerial fibre optic construction involves the installation of fibre optic cable on existing utility/communications poles.
Aerial fibre construction is the most common method of deployment on the Trust’s network and is generally more affordable than underground deployment, but more expensive than submarine deployments.
Aerial fibre is most at-risk of damage due to environmental hazards such as fires, mudslides, rockslides, avalanches, etc. and is costly to operate due to costs associated with renting pole space but is relatively affordable to maintain and repair in the event of damage.
Underground
Underground fibre optic construction involves the installation of fibre optic cable into conduit that is buried underground.
Underground fibre construction is common in rural areas and in areas where there are no existing utility or communications poles. Underground deployment is the most expensive method of fibre installation due to the requirement of significant labour.
Underground fibre is generally safe from environmental risks such as fires, mudslides, rockslides, avalanches, etc. and is very inexpensive to operate but very expensive to maintain and repair in the event of damage due to access issues, especially in cold weather.
