Is AT&T fiber buried?
AT&T has an AT&T Fiber Internet that can be accessed in many locations across the United States of America. This Internet connection offers a high speed for the transmission of data both in the download and upload categories. A common AT&T fiber installation question that many people have asked is whether AT&T fiber cables are installed underground or overhead on utility poles. Let’s go further through this article and explore more about AT&T fiber cabling and buried fiber versus aerial fiber.
Processes of Implementation of Fiber by AT&T
Fiber optics are mostly buried within the ground or strung overhead utility poles where they use above-ground lines called aerial fiber lines. In more recent neighborhoods that have underground utilities put in place, AT&T Internet may place their fiber optics in those conduits when the construction is being done initially. Despite this, there is still extensive use of above-ground fiber with the majority of AT&T’s fiber optic being on the utility poles rather than the underground cables.
There are a few reasons why aerial cabling is more common
- Reduced installation costs – Suspension fiber cables cost less compared to deploying buried fiber which is a more practical way of reaching more customers. Open areas, remote areas, and areas with low population density are the most suitable regions to deploy aerial fiber.
- Faster access for maintenance – In the case of above-ground conductors, technicians can easily access any cable that has been damaged or equipment that needs replacement. This refers to the digging of roads or yards for services to be provided, and this is never a pleasant experience.
- Using existing buildings – This is also an advantage because instead of going through the rigorous process of acquiring rights of way and easements to dig up new fiber paths on the ground, ATT simply has to attach fiber to current telephone/electrical poles.
However, AT&T will place portions of their fiber network underground in certain situations: However, AT&T will place portions of their fiber network underground in certain situations:
- New construction of houses usually includes buried utility demands before people occupy the houses. AT&T adheres to this requirement by ensuring that its fiber cables are installed underground upon the construction of any facility.
- Certain above-ground conditions may be deemed risky such as storms that frequently occur or high densities of vegetation which may force AT&T to prefer buried cable routes.
- Some municipalities or HOA rules may require buried cable lines in particular areas within the neighborhood. As mentioned above, these requests are considered on an individualistic basis.
- This may entail that customers who want to subscribe to AT&T Fiber for their home can ask for and pay a premium service to have the connection line put underground in case there are no poles.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Burying The Fiber Optic Cable
Therefore there are some pros and cons that come with the use of fiber optic internet cables by burying them underground rather than over electric poles.
- Pros of buried fiber lines: Pros of buried fiber lines:
- Even more visually appealing because the overhead cables do not impede views.
- There are hardly any problems with cables since they are not affected by adverse weather conditions such as storms, winds, ice, and so on.
- Not as susceptible to damage due to car or truck accidents, falling trees or animals, etc.
Cons of buried fiber lines: Cons of buried fiber lines:
- Trenching fiber cables and conducting conduit pathways are more costly to install below the ground.
- Problematical to reach cables for repair and maintenance purposes.
- in the process of installation, yards, driveways, or roads need to be dug up.
- This may restrict the new cable routes for laying new cables since there could be other utilities buried beneath the surface.
Therefore, in most places, the advantages of low cost and easy installation result in AT&T adopting the aerial method of deploying fiber in most areas of their fiber connectivity. However, it is understandable in some residential communities and high-risk zones where they extend grounded lines. Modern new build housings are also likely to incorporate buried fiber optic infrastructure right from the onset.
Buried Line Option: Get AT&T Fiber
If having fiber cables strung across poles to your home is undesirable, there are a couple of options to inquire about getting underground lines instead with an AT&T fiber internet installation: If having fiber cables strung across poles to your home is undesirable, there are a couple of options to inquire about getting underground lines instead with AT&T fiber internet installation:
1) New housing development – In the course of relocation to new homes within newly developed residential areas, the builder should be asked if the developer buried AT&T fiber cables when putting up the utilities. This prevents the requirement of post-contour line burial, thereby avoiding the additional effort that comes with it.
2) Request line burial – The same as in the previous point, for an existing home, simply ask AT&T if they can bury the fiber line that comes from the outside conduct/ducts to your premises. This is usually done at an extra cost, although it does not have overhead cables crossing your property.
3) Homeowner association requirements – Another factor that you can look into is whether there are regulations where the homeowner’s association has mandated buried cables for home internet service. These may be met by AT&T on individual needs or as per prevailing circumstances.
Of course, this is how it should be for the fiber network of AT&T: while the telco indeed buries portions of its infrastructure, the best option for aerial deployment is the most cost-efficient for the company. Paradiso, new areas, locations likely to be affected by the calamity, and customer demands are some of the circumstances that justify underground fiber over pole-strung lines. One should always discuss the possibility of buried fiber routing during an AT&T fiber installation to avoid overhead cables that may be unattractive while accessing a faster and more reliable connection to the internet.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.
