Overview
P2S was contracted to review Verizon’s existing copper cable networks throughout the state of California. The engineering project included reviewing Verizon’s cable records and drawings and identifying underutilized copper cable that could be removed. Additionally, any copper cable removed would then be sold on the open market for salvage value.
Challenge
As the telecommunications industry moves from a copper cable based backbone to a fiber optic cable backbone, many of the copper cables are underutilized. Even though field conditions have significantly changes since the copper cables were places some 50 years ago, records and documentation don’t reflect those changes. The first challenge to P2S was to compare actual field conditions with the records. Then, we would develop a system and plan to remove as much underutilized copper cable as possible.
Action
P2S reviewed Verizon’s record drawings and cable records for each wiring center in California. P2S then provided a detailed master list of all exchange cables that were potential candidates for removal. This list included cable pair size, gauge and footages. We then prepared detailed routes, including maps and manhole details that would be used by outside cable splicers. Additionally, P2S established a Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) to be followed by each cable splicer and pulling crew. To transition the move from copper to fiber optic cable, P2S provided a list of circuits requiring redesign by Verizon. P2S also identified cables that could be moved to other copper cables so more underutilized cables could be removed.
Results
P2S identified and engineered more than 1.5 million feet of exchange cables that could be removed. This was in addition to the nine million feet of trunk cables P2S already identified on another project (Verizon Nationwide Cable Asset Recovery Project). The project resulted in a net-net cash dollars back to the client after all costs. This included engineering, cable splicers and pulling crews. In addition to the cash back to the client, Verizon also received millions of dollars in Asset Retirement Value (Tax Savings).
Even more, after removal of the cables, miles of conduit pathways were now available for fiber optic cables, thereby eliminating the need for trenching and new conduit. This resulted in even more millions of dollars saved. Plus, the fieldwork and documentation provided by P2S would provide Verizon with up-to-date cable records and maps.
