Blazing Fast Fiber Improves Connectivity in Utah

Fiber to home (FTTH) technology is the latest advancement in telecommunications, where next generation high-speed internet, TV, and phone services are delivered through a fiber optic cable directly to a home or building. Why would a community want FTH availability for homes?

• FTTH technology can provide much faster internet speeds compared to traditional copper-based networks, enabling users to stream high-definition videos, play online games, and download large files quickly. Fiber optic bandwidth and carrying capacity continues to increase and improve.
• Fiber optic cables are less susceptible to damage from weather, water, and other external factors. This leads to better connectivity and fewer interruptions in service.
• The deployment of FTTH technology can also have a positive impact on economic development. It can attract new businesses, increase property values, and create jobs.

While the need for upgrades to fiber is clear, many communities may not have budgeted extra funds for the expense.

An Option for FFTH Funding

Farmington City, Utah, is a good example of a community that was faced with trying to get fiber for its residents. Community leaders knew that connectivity modernization was necessary. Access to advanced technology, including internet, TV, and streaming, was a crucial enhancement needed to help improve the everyday lives of people in the City and also for community economic development.  Our gig economy with work being done from home, working virtually anywhere requires higher and reliable internet bandwidth.

Crews work to install fiber lines through a neighborhood

Without an appetite to constrain taxpayer funds, the City contracted with  All West communications to install the FTTH  leveraging a public-private partnership for success. All West fronts the cost of the advanced telecommunications infrastructure not burdening the community with the cost or long-term maintenance. This becomes a win-win for the community and individuals needing bandwidth.  All West’s President Weller summarized it this way: “We’re neighbors serving neighbors. And we’re dedicated to creating opportunities in the communities we serve.”

Opportunities include improved streaming without interruption, connections with equal download and upload speeds (symmetrical) for video conferencing and online gaming, and system resiliency to last decades. You can learn more about what the community of Farmington will have access to once the installation is completed through their latest press release.

What Is Required with Installation?

The first step is designing the layout. During the design phase, engineers such as CRS plan where the infrastructure will be and apply for required permits. Detailed drawings show the exact placement of trenches.

Next, the pathway that houses the fiber lines (the conduit) is installed in the trenches, requiring special care so it does not get damaged once placed in the ground. The conduit is buried, and that provides the framework for the network.

Once the conduit is situated, the cable (fiber) that brings the internet to homes is pulled through it.  There are multiple fiber strands per cable, and that gives each customer a dedicated line.

The fiber is connected to a cabinet in the home and back to junction points in the area for a dedicated connection. As the hardware technology improves, fiber optic light technology advances, All West will keep their equipment up to date and continue to provide cutting edge broadband internet service to communities like Farmington in their service markets throughout the Wasatch Front.

CRS Engineering and Surveying is thrilled to be participating with All West to provide FTTH to many communities like Farmington who is anticipated for completion in Spring 2024 and other cities such as Herriman, Bluffdale, Ogden, and Tooele. You can read more about where fiber will be available on the All-West website.

For more information, contact Jon Howse at jon.howse@crsengineers.com