Broadband cable in sewer - solutions for cross-sector line management

Prior to the summer break, the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag) passed the law to facilitate the expansion of digital high-speed networks (DigiNetzG). It is slated for approval by the German Federal Assembly (Bundesrat) in September. Accelerating the expansion of fast Internet connections is the objective. It is based on EU Directive 2014/61/EU of May 2014, intended to lower the costs of broadband expansion and being implemented with the planned law. Among other things, the intent is for public supply network operators to include network infrastructures in the planning of construction projects going forward. Fibre optics cables have to be installed directly during the new construction or rehabilitation of streets and the development of new construction areas. The DigiNetzG is relevant for the operators of existing infrastructure networks as well. Telecommunication companies are to be granted shared use of the existing infrastructure (energy and wastewater networks on streets, rail lines, waterways and the like) for the installation of broadband cables, provided free capacities are still available. However, the DigiNetzG also imposes new requirements on network operators in the operation of their distribution networks. How does the sewer get cleaned, inspected or rehabilitated? How does the TV inspector know in what sewer to inspect fibre optics cables? Does the rehabilitation planner know whether fibre optics cables are installed in the network being rehabilitated?

The joint administration of control, broadband, fibre optics and energy cables in conjunction with networks in other sectors, such as sewer networks, has been realised by BARTHAUER for a few years already with the network and infrastructure information system BaSYS by implementing a dedicated cable module. Here the routeing of lines is possible through the conduits of the sewer segments in the sewer module. The assignment of the disposal lines eliminates the need for time-consuming digitalisation of the alignment sections.

Outputting the documented information from the system in cross-sector subject schedules for dissemination or informational purposes is possible using industry standard exchange formats and adaptable data interfaces. This gives all participants access to the same information depth, since the required information is available transparently and can be exchanged quickly. Infrastructure planning, network administration and cooperation between sewer network operators and telecommunication companies is not only facilitated but also made more efficient as a result.

Experts estimate that the DigiNetzG will result in savings measured in the billions. It significantly lowers costs for the network operators and speeds up network connections in regions without adequate service. Citizens benefit as well: costly and protracted duplicate work on streets and the resulting economic losses caused by traffic congestion and lost productivity can be avoided to a much greater extent in the future, since the ability to coordinate construction work is also improved.

Against the background of better coordination and the future-proof operation of infrastructure facilities, BARTHAUER has continued the further development of the network information system BaSYS into a comprehensive infrastructure management system over the last few years. It offers modules for planning, data collection, administration and documentation, operation management and maintenance, rehabilitation design and asset management for infrastructure assets. BARTHAUER CEO Jürgen Barthauer emphasises: “Cross-sector cooperation is a key for the future-proof expansion and maintenance of infrastructure networks. The essential prerequisites such as transparency and openness of the systems have been part of our company philosophy from the outset, and constitute an important benefit for the day-to-day business of our customers.”

Media Contact:
Barthauer Software GmbH
Jenny Krüger
Pillaustraße 1a
38126 Braunschweig
Germany

Phone: +49 30 33 60 43 18
Fax: +49 531 23 533 99

Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.barthauer.de