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Tag: wireless infrastructure

How ‘Microtrenching’ is Transforming Colorado’s Wireless Capabilities

There is no doubt that high-speed broadband access has become an essential tool. Fast and reliable service is critical for individuals to access basic services and for businesses, academia and non-profits to thrive in our digital world. This need became particularly apparent during the pandemic when everyone, from school-age children to working adults, was dependent on reliable connectivity. Thankfully, microtrenching is making connectivity easier.

We are fortunate that both the federal and state governments have recognized this and are investing in building out Colorado’s fiber infrastructure. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes significant funds ($65 billion) for broadband to ensure that every American has access to reliable high-speed internet. And last year, Governor Polis signed an executive order directing the Colorado Broadband Office to connect 99% of Colorado households to high-speed broadband by 2027.

READ — To Drive Innovation in Metro Denver, Focus on Connectivity

To meet these ambitious targets, Colorado needs to allow new innovative methods to accelerate the deployment of broadband in the state.

One new industry best practice is microtrenching, an innovative construction technique that cities across the country have used to quickly install fiber without disrupting everyday life.  From start to finish, the process is significantly faster than traditional trenching methods, which can be expensive and time-consuming as well as causing disruptions and delays on local streets.

Rather than digging large-scale trenches, fiber is installed underground through a narrow cut in the pavement up to two inches wide. Potholing, digging, conduit and backfill all occur simultaneously. The process is fast and reduces lane closures. Additionally, since the trench is so narrow, the amount of restoration required is minimal and barely noticeable.

Microtrenching is also a more environmentally friendly way to deploy fiber than alternative installation methods. The process uses less water, less heavy equipment, produces fewer spoils and happens on a faster timeline which reduces traffic.

Colorado should incentivize and remove barriers for the industry to deploy microtenching. As the state is working to distribute federal dollars, Colorado needs local jurisdictions to ensure that systems are in place to develop this necessary infrastructure. The cheaper microtrenching method would leverage the unprecedented amount of funding to bring more broadband to more Colorado communities.

Additionally, wireless infrastructure is dependent on a strong fiber network. Individuals and businesses are increasingly reliant on wireless technology for basic communication needs. There are more than 275 million smartphone users in the U.S. and over 180 million other connected devices. The average monthly mobile data usage in North America is expected to reach 52GB per smartphone in 2027, according to an Ericsson report. By 2027, we expect 5G networks to carry 62% of total mobile data traffic. Unfortunately like across the nation, some Colorado communities experience a digital divide. And it’s not just in rural areas — even cities in our state suffer from poor wireless coverage.

Microtrenching is an effective way to quickly install fiber and provide communities and businesses with the infrastructure required to succeed. It is a technology that will expedite the deployment of broadband infrastructure and help our state meet its connectivity goals. Colorado should encourage this innovative method to ensure our fiber infrastructure is ready to meet our needs for today and years to come.

 

Tim Urband PhotoTim Urband is the President of the Colorado Wireless Association, a nonprofit striving to promote awareness of the telecommunications industry, educate consumers on the value of the industry, and provide guidance to municipalities on regulatory issues. The telecommunications industry plays a critical role in Colorado, and COWA seeks to cultivate and foster strong relationships among the members of the telecommunications industry through networking events, educational seminars and fundraising events.

Is Denver’s wireless infrastructure meeting the increased demand during COVID-19?

More than ever before, wireless technology has become vitally important to our everyday lives. Seemingly overnight, bedrooms and living rooms were transformed to offices and classrooms due to COVID-19.

The need to stay home and stay safe has driven us toward higher levels of dependence on our devices. While throngs of workers started telecommuting from home, educators began teaching students remotely, and patients started accessing telehealth services, we saw an immediate growth in demand for connectivity and access. As families shifted their lives remotely, from places of business to residential neighborhoods, data usage and demands have skyrocketed as more families are connecting more devices.

In order to meet the increased data demand, telecommunications infrastructure either has to be upgraded or built to accommodate more devices and increased traffic. One such company doing this is Crown Castle.

Crown Castle spent the past 6 years upgrading Denver’s existing wireless infrastructure, installing fiber, and building new facilities. Most recently, their teams have been deploying small cell technology; small cells are, as the name implies, smaller than traditional towers or rooftop installations and are often installed on existing right-of-way infrastructure like telephone poles or streetlights.

These upgrades are essential in providing connectivity that we all require to continue to work, learn and stay in touch with family and friends. With the onset of the pandemic, these upgrades and new deployments are no longer a luxury, but an essential necessity.

One of Governor Polis’ top priorities during the pandemic has been to ensure residents have equitable access to technology. As part of our work on the Governor’s Council for Economic Stabilization and Growth, Crown Castle has been participating in a working group comprised of leaders from the communications industry, the State Broadband Office, and other stakeholders to advise the Governor regarding the hurdles to rapid deployment of infrastructure where it’s needed most.

The goal of this working group is simple yet critical: make high speed broadband more accessible for Coloradans so they can engage in remote work, online coursework, and leisure activities. As a result of this team’s effort, the Governor signed recommendations for municipalities to efficiently process applications for new infrastructure.

As we work to build new infrastructure, tablets, smart phones, and wearable devices will need to remain connected, often demanding faster speeds to function. The best way to keep up with the extra demand is to increase network capacity by creating new technologies and deploying more communications infrastructure. By expanding our network of small cells and fiber and working closely with municipalities, Crown Castle can improve access to robust broadband – both wireless and wireline.

Finding better ways to employ communications technology and ensuring Coloradoans remain safe and productive during our current and future emergencies, needs to be a top priority for our city leaders. It would be nothing short of reckless to not take full advantage of the technology that is available to us today.

Scott Harry is the Manager of Government Affairs for Denver for Crown Castle.