Microtrenching: What I Wish I’d Known About New Techniques for Broadband Construction
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 2:00 pm, EDT
Microtrenching: What I Wish I’d Known About New Techniques for Broadband Construction
Microtrenching: What I Wish I’d Known About New Techniques for Broadband Construction
Microtrenching: What I Wish I’d Known About New Techniques for Broadband Construction
The IIJA provides $65 billion for broadband deployment, with a focus on expanding access to underserved areas. Microtrenching is a method of installing underground utilities that can be faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive. However, micro-trenched utilities are also more vulnerable to damage from traffic loads, soil movement, and root intrusion. This session will take a close look at cities’ experiences with microtrenching by both private and public broadband providers and lessons learned, and how it can best be integrated into federally-funded projects.
Questions to be answered include:
- What is microtrenching and how does it work?
- How can microtrenching accelerate and reduce costs of broadband deployment? How can cities incentivize or reduce barriers to this type of construction?
- What are the risks and challenges associated with microtrenching? How can cities reduce or mitigate these risks?
- How can microtrenching be integrated into proposals for federal broadband funding?