At Fiber Connect 2024, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) released a new white paper titled “Accelerating Timeliness of Utility Locates,” authored by its Deployment Specialists Committee. The paper highlights the critical importance of efficient underground locates as a public safety measure. As network operators expand fiber broadband services into new areas, addressing utility locates becomes increasingly vital. Properly identifying utility locations helps prevent damage to existing infrastructure, maintains service continuity, and protects both installation teams and residents from potential injuries.
Sponsored by Sada McGee of Mears Broadband and Erik Phillips of UtiliQuest, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) has released a new white paper, “Accelerating Timeliness of Utility Locates.” This document presents the latest research from organizations like the Common Ground Alliance and offers best practices for optimizing underground utility locating. It addresses safety, health, and environmental considerations relevant to all construction sites and personnel.
Utility locate delays can significantly impact network deployment and hinder operators from meeting funding grant deadlines. Labor shortages are a major factor, with a scarcity of skilled locators and lengthy training periods of three to six months contributing to delays. Attracting new talent is crucial, and programs like FBA’s Optical Telecom Installer Certification (OpTIC Path™) are preparing technicians to enter the broadband workforce. However, until more such programs are available for locators, the shortage will persist, causing potential delays and a growing backlog of locate requests.
To mitigate these challenges, the white paper offers recommendations including:
- Pre-Ticket Call-in Preparation:
- Contact 811 and understand state-specific regulations, including ticket types and tolerance zones.
- Engage with stakeholders such as state 811 centers, local damage prevention councils, and homeowners associations (HOAs) to share project details and blueprints in advance.
- Obtain necessary permits before requesting locates to avoid delays.
- Clearly mark proposed installation paths and limit the locate area to the excavation zone.
- Ticket Call-in Process:
- Follow state 811 regulations for initiating locate requests.
- Provide accurate contact information and appoint knowledgeable personnel for communication.
- Anticipate potential delays due to labor shortages.
- During the Locate Process and Construction:
- Use potholing to visually confirm utility locations near the installation area.
- Maintain regular communication with stakeholders and keep homeowners informed.
- Implement damage prevention measures and pay attention to any “cleared” locates that might be erroneous.
Brendan O’Boyle, Chair of the FBA Deployment Specialists Committee, highlighted the complexities of underground fiber deployment, noting that state regulations vary and that installers must often make tough decisions under tight deadlines. Effective collaboration with local permitting departments and stakeholders is essential for a smooth and efficient locate process.
The full white paper, “Accelerating Locates,” is available for download [here]. The Deployment Specialists Committee will present the findings in a webinar on August 15, 2024, at 1:00 pm EDT. Information on FBA’s OpTIC Path technician training program and instructor opportunities can also be found on their website.
About the Fiber Broadband Association
The Fiber Broadband Association is the premier trade association representing the entire fiber ecosystem, including service providers, manufacturers, industry experts, and deployment specialists. Since 2001, the FBA has been dedicated to advancing fiber broadband deployment and promoting a world where communications are limitless. The association helps stakeholders make informed decisions about building fiber networks that deliver significant economic and societal benefits. The FBA is part of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, which includes FTTH Councils across North America, LATAM, Europe, MEA, APAC, and South Africa.
