South Country Fibre Optic Backbone Project
To improve connectivity, local governments and the Trust partnered with the Province of BC to extend fibre optic backbone network into the South Country to serve as a high-speed launching platform for Internet Service Providers wishing to offer their services to residents or businesses in the region.
In partnership with the Regional District of East Kootenay, the Trust built a fibre optic backbone between Jaffray and Roosville, connecting to the existing regional network passing by Jaffray and Elko and has a Point of Presence near the border in Roosville. This project has delivered better connectivity to the Tobacco Plains community.
Project funding was received from the Province through the Connecting BC program, the Regional District of East Kootenay and the Trust and was completed in 2023.
Key Dates
Map
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.
