Accelerating UK's Fibre Expansion, HFCL Showcases High-density Advanced Fibre Solutions
- High-fibre density cables designed to accelerate gigabit-capable network builds and reduce costs by minimising the need for additional duct installations, ideal for ambitious projects like Building Digital UK (BDUK)
- Innovative cable design increases fibre count by 50% within the same 2.4mm diameter used for 24F cables, driving higher efficiency
- New aerial cable technology approved by Openreach's Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA), enabling seamless connectivity even in extremely dense environments
- HFCL’s UK offices and warehousing facilities along
with local expertise deliver industry-leading service, ensuring
sustainable full-fibre deployment and unparalleled customer support
London, September 12, 2024: HFCL, one
of the leading technology enterprises and integrated next-gen communications
product and solution providers, yesterday showcased its latest range of innovative
high-density blown fibre solutions at the Connected Britain 2024 event.
The solutions include a comprehensive
range of products including – a Compact Fibre Units (CFU) with capacities of up
to 12 fibres, available in sizes between 1.1mm and 1.6mm diameter. A 36F Fibre Blown Nano family cable
with a 2.4mm diameter. And a new Openreach’s PIA approved 1F Aerial Drop Cable,
with a 1mm diameter, has also been introduced. Together, these offerings will
enable UK operators to connect customers more quickly, cost-effectively, and
sustainably.
These new additions, further expand HFCL’s
extensive optical fibre solution portfolio, paving the way for advanced fibre
infrastructure and faster broadband rollouts in the UK, targeting Building
Digital UK (BDUK) initiative.
To accelerate digital connectivity in the
UK, HFCL has unveiled a tailored portfolio of 1F-12F compact fibre units
(CFUs). These CFUs feature a low-friction HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
jacket, designed for efficient, long-distance installations in microducts.
Capable of being jetted up to 1km at speeds exceeding 80 meters per minute,
they deliver exceptional performance. The 12F and 6F units are ideal for low-fibre
count distribution networks using small microducts, such as FTTA networks,
while the 1F, 2F, and 4F units are perfect for final access even in the
smallest microducts. Available in recyclable cardboard pans or reusable/ recyclable
spools, with lengths up to 6km, these ultra-compact fibre units also lower
transportation costs per fibre-kilometre, reducing environmental impact and the
carbon footprint associated with network construction.
Another
new component of HFCL’s end-to-end fibre solution is the addition of a 36F
version to its already successful 2-24 Fibre Blown Nano family, with a diameter
range of 2mm - 2.4mm. This new version maintains the same 2.4mm diameter as the
24F cable, incorporating customised low-friction jacketing and HFCL’s
world-class 200-micron single-mode optical fibre. This cable is uniquely designed
to ise fibre count in the smallest microducts, increasing the maximum available
fibre count in a 2.4mm unit by 50%.
The increased fibre density enables
operators to maximise capacity within existing duct networks, avoiding the need
for costly civil works to install new ducts. This higher packing density is
also advantageous for operators leasing duct space, as it allows costs to be
distributed across a larger number of fibres. HFCL has consciously implemented
eco-friendly measures in the manufacturing of this cable, offering sustainable
benefits by minimising the use of plastics and gel per fibre-kilometre and
utilising recyclable reels.
The PIA approved 3.5mm 1F aerial drop
cable brings a cost effective and high-quality solution to customers. With
Openreach's PIA approval, telecom providers can leverage existing
infrastructure to install this 1F aerial drop cable. It is compatible with two
leading clamps and works seamlessly with top Aerial Subscriber Nodes (ASN). An
ASN is a crucial component in network infrastructure that enables last-mile
connectivity, typically in rural or hard-to-reach areas. Mounted on aerial cable
poles, it facilitates high-speed internet access by connecting subscribers to
the main fibre optic network or wireless network.
Speaking
on the launch of the fibre solutions, Mr.
Harsh Pagay, Executive President, OF & OFC, HFCL, said, “With over 35
years of experience, HFCL has emerged as a market leader in providing telecom infrastructure,
enabling leading telecom operators and ISPs in their digital transformation
journeys. With our end-to-end optical solution offerings from fibre, fibre
cables, and optical interconnect kits, we are a partner of choice by our
customers world over for years. With the UK government investing in nationwide infrastructure upgrade, the UK
market holds huge potential for HFCL in supporting the growing appetite of 5G
networks and single-build FTTH deployments. Our unwavering commitment towards
innovation, customer-centricity, and building future-ready infrastructure,
positions us a trusted partner in reshaping the future and making significant
contributions to the UK’s digital landscape.”
Rob Gilbert, VP- UK & Ireland, HFCL, said, “We
are excited to launch our innovative, next-gen Compact Fibre Units and extended
Nano cable range in the UK, one of the leading global economies and a priority
market for HFCL. We aim to share our expertise, resources, and technology (directly
or via our trusted partners) to help telecom operators in the UK extend the
reach of their network infrastructure and digital services to remote and
underserved areas. Our experienced UK-based team, along with local offices and
warehousing facilities, is focused on developing eco-friendly solutions,
underscoring our commitment to supporting full fibre, yet sustainable,
deployment in the UK.”
For FY 2024-25, Building Digital UK
(BDUK) is focused on expanding gigabit-capable connectivity to hard-to-reach
areas across the UK. This initiative supports the government's goal of
achieving at least 85% gigabit coverage by 2025, through a mix of commercial
builds and subsidised projects. BDUK also aims to extend gigabit-capable
broadband nationwide by 2030.
This
solution range launched by HFCL is designed to meet the network requirements of
telcos and multiple system operators (MSOs) deploying FTTx services in
microducts, targeting markets in the UK, Europe, and North America. HFCL's
innovative approach and focus on sustainability set these products apart from
competitors, offering superior performance with unmatched customer service.
About HFCL
HFCL
is a leading technology company specializing in creating digital networks for
telcos, enterprises, and governments. Over the years, HFCL has emerged as a
trusted partner offering sustainable high-tech solutions with a commitment to
providing the latest technology products to its customers. HFCL’s strong
R&D expertise coupled with its global system integration services and
decades of experience in fibre optics enable it to deliver innovative digital
network solutions required for the most advanced networks.
The
Company’s in-house R&D Centres located in India at Gurgaon, Bengaluru and
Hyderabad along with invested R&D houses and other R&D collaborators at
different locations in India and abroad, innovate a futuristic range of
technology products and solutions. HFCL has developed capabilities to provide
premium quality Optical Fibre and Optical Fibre Cables, state- of-the-art
telecom products including 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) products, 5G Transport
Products, Wi-Fi Systems (Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7), Unlicensed Band Radios, Switches,
Routers and Defence electronics products.
The Company has state-of-the-art Optical Fibre and Optical Fibre Cable manufacturing plants in Hyderabad, and Optical Fibre Cable manufacturing plants in Goa and at its subsidiary HTL Limited in Chennai.
HFCL
is a partner of choice for its customers across India, UK, Europe, Asia
Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. HFCL’s commitment to
quality and environmental sustainability inspires it to innovate solutions for
the ever- evolving customer needs.