Slocan Valley Fibre Optic Backbone Project
To improve connectivity, local governments and the Trust partnered with the Province of BC to extend a fibre optic backbone network into the Slocan Valley 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 built a fibre optic backbone between Playmor Junction and Shoreholme, just north of Nakusp, connecting to the existing regional network passing by Playmour Junction and has Points of Presence (POPs) in Playmour Junction and the Villages of Slocan, Silverton, New Denver and Nakusp.
Project funding was received from the Province through the Connecting BC program, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, Village of Nakusp, Village of Slocan, the Village of Silverton and the Village of New Denver, as well as the Trust and was completed in 2023.
Key Dates
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Construction Techniques
The project used a variety of installation methods including aerial, underground and submarine. Regardless of methodology, the Trust employed 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.
Submarine
Submarine fibre optic construction involves the installation of fibre optic cable directly into fresh or salt water environments.
Traditionally, submarine construction is very expensive due to the high material costs associated with deploying cable that is resistant to damage from water and water pressure. However, the Trust has developed a submarine fibre cable that is capable of withstanding freshwater environments at a fraction of the cost of traditional underwater cable.
Submarine fibre is relatively safe from environmental risks such as fires, mudslides, rockslides, avalanches, etc. and is very inexpensive to operate but is very expensive to maintain and repair in the (unlikely) event of damage due to access issues.
