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Telecommunications industry

Hybrid Fiber Coax Build in California: A Blend of Analog and Digital Technologies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Pacific Bell's hybrid fiber coax build, a significant undertaking in California, is a striking example of the evolving telecommunications landscape. As AT&T Network Systems provides the underground conduit installation for the access network, the installer, Pacific Bell, has designed the infrastructure to be easily adaptable to future fiber-to-the-curb or fiber-to-the-home technologies. This approach reflects the industry's shift towards greater bandwidth and advanced digital services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The installation is currently using a hybrid approach, combining fiber optics and coaxial cable, but the infrastructure is designed to be easily upgraded to fiber-to-the-curb or fiber-to-the-home should the technology become cost-effective.
  • Approximately 3,000 AT&T employees are anticipated to work on the underground portion of the build over the next three years, while Pacific Bell will use around 2,000 employees for the aerial installation.
  • The Pacific Bell's hybrid fiber coax build is scheduled to be completed by 2001.
  • The build aims to provide basic cable TV, telephony, and video on demand services in the future, with the goal of having several hundred thousand homes passed by the end of 1996 and 5 million homes passed by the millennium.
  • Approximately 158 million trench feet will be dug as part of the build, with over 17 million trench feet already completed.

Statistics:

  • 3,000 AT&T employees are anticipated to work on the underground portion of the build over the next three years.
  • 2,000 Pacific Bell employees will be used for aerial installation.
  • The build is scheduled to be completed by 2001.
  • Pacific Bell aims to have several hundred thousand homes passed by the end of 1996.
  • The goal is to pass 5 million homes by the millennium.
  • Approximately 158 million trench feet will be dug as part of the build.
  • Over 17 million trench feet have been dug to date.

Sources:

  • Ken Croley, spokesman for AT&T Network Systems
  • AT&T Network Systems
  • Pacific Bell

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