For those cables used in the ‘last mile’ of the network, the designers have created cables where the copper core can be removed in situ allowing optical fibres to be blown into the remaining ‘tube’. At a time when many operators in Europe are evaluating the opportunities presented by Fibre to the Home (FTTH) systems, Prysmian and KPN are building an upgradeable system facilitating migration to optical networks in the future. All new subscriber connections will be realised in this manner.
Furthermore, with much of the Netherlands lying below sea level, a significant part of the KPN cable system is permanently immersed in water.
Consequently, a highly effective water blocking system has been developed to ensure that there is no danger of water penetration and to ensure the long term integrity of the cables.
“We regard this as a significant breakthrough project,” said Mr. Gert Hoefman of Prysmian. “The technical demands on underground cables in the Netherlands are very severe. However by working closely with KPN to fully understand these issues we believe we have provided them with an innovative solution to satisfy their network needs, both today and in the future.”
The cables will be produced at the Prysmian facility in Chavanoz, France with purchasing and installation activities being carried out by VolkerWessels Telecom I Infra.
Prysmian Cables & Systems
Prysmian Cables & Systems is a worldwide leader in the cable market in both the Telecommunications and Energy sectors. It operates in 5 continents with
52 production units and employs 12,500 people in more than 20 countries.
Turnover in 2004 was approx 3.5 billion Euros. In the telecoms sector, Prysmian supplies the industry with a comprehensive portfolio of state-of-the-art products including: Optical Fibre, Optical Cable, Sirocco Blown Fibre System, Copper Cable, Premises/Data Cable and Connectivity Hardware
KPN
KPN offers telecommunication services to both consumers and businesses. The company’s core activities are telephony and data services through KPN’s fixed network in the Netherlands, mobile telecom services in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium and data services in Western Europe. KPN is market leader in the major segments of the Dutch telecom market. As at December 31, 2004, KPN served 7.4 million fixed-line subscribers and 1.6 million Internet users in the Netherlands as well as 17.2 million mobile customers in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, and employed 31,116 people.
VolkerWessels Telecom I Infra
VolkerWessels Telecom I Infra designs, builds and maintains telecom-infrastructure, among which is the network of KPN. VolkerWessels Telecom I Infra has specialized for years in working underground and this has made it an absolute network expert – in modern fibre optic networks as well as traditional copper cables. Approximately 500 employees operate from several regional offices in the Netherlands. VolkerWessels Telecom I Infra is a division within VolkerWessels Telecom.
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