Telecom/Electric
Fiber Broadband Association to develop telecom workforce by linking technicians to potential employers
FBA members and Learning Alliance partners can leverage Talent Link to gain a direct pathway to certified fiber technicians who are qualified to safely and efficiently build the fiber broadband networks that many communities still need.
Wisconsin's $42 million broadband infrastructure grant sees overwhelming demand
Gov. Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) have announced that the Wisconsin Broadband Office received 124 applications requesting $221.6 million for the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program.
New York Transco's $1.4 billion power line plan receives state nod
(UI) — New York Transco has received the green light from New York State's utilities regulator on Thursday for three transmission projects. As part of this comprehensive project, the developer plans to introduce three new underground cables linking Long Island to the broader state.
New Jersey to replace 46 miles of underground electrical lines with $935 million infrastructure proposal
EnergizeNJ will offer more customer benefits through key investments that include replacing approximately 46 miles of aging underground lines with modern and more protected wiring.
Mainstream Fiber Networks plans rapid Indiana fiber-optic expansion with Searchlight Capital investment
The investment is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities across the state as Mainstream expands service to new markets.
Prysmian secures $955 million deal for one of the largest transmission infrastructure projects in U.S.
Under the terms of the agreement, Prysmian Group will be responsible for the design, manufacture, construction, installation, and commissioning of Clean Path New York’s HVDC (high-voltage direct current) 400 KV single core cable system with XLPE insulation.
Georgia’s largest utility asks regulators to secure more power generation with natural gas
Georgia Power said it wants to build or contract for at least 3,365 more megawatts of generating capacity. That would be enough to power about 1.4 million homes.
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company to acquire Horizon Telecom for $385 million
Horizon’s unique 7,200 route-mile fiber network is the largest and most dense network across its footprint with over 9,000 on-net locations.
Verizon deploys over 200 miles of fiber in Delaware six months ahead of schedule
Nearly 2,000 homes and businesses in Camden, Dover, Smyrna, Bridgeville and Ocean View now have access to high-speed internet.
altafiber to bring fiber optic network to 65,000 new addresses across Ohio
altafiber has invested more than $1.5 billion into its fiber network to date, reaching approximately 730,000 addresses.
Eaton to increase North American power line undergrounding with additional $85 million investment
To increase supplies of its critical underground protective connectors, Eaton is creating approximately 300 new positions, expanding its manufacturing facility in Queretaro, as well as adding new injection presses and manufacturing equipment.
PG&E plan to bury power lines underground met with opposition due to high rates
The company's plan to bury 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers) of power lines is part of a broader goal of putting 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers) underground over the next decade.
Manhattan Beach, Calif., resumes underground utility line project after two-year hiatus
(UI) — In a significant development, the underground utility line project in Manhattan Beach is set to continue, following its suspension in 2021. The city has stepped in to support the endeavor, which will involve burying power, cable, internet, and phone lines for homes and buildings in two northern Manhattan Beach neighborhoods.
Montana telecom completes $11 million, 380-mile fiber cable burial project
(UI) — Blackfoot Communications, headquartered in Missoula, has recently celebrated the successful culmination of a six-year endeavor, entailing an $11 million investment, to install more than 380 miles of cutting-edge fiber optic cable within the Flathead Reservation vicinity around St. Ignatius, according to Government Technology.
PG&E initiates underground power line placement in Magalia, Calif.
(UI) — In Magalia, a significant transformation is underway as power lines are being placed underground. While the current cost of burying power lines is approximately $3.75 million per mile, PG&E anticipates a reduction to about $2.8 million per mile by 2026. The utility company asserts that despite the expense, the advantages of underground lines in high fire-risk areas are abundant.
NV5 awarded $16 million to upgrade NYC sewer, electrical, gas infrastructure
NV5 Global, Inc. has been awarded a $16 million extension to an existing resident engineering inspection services contract by the New York City Department of Design and Construction.
Austin Energy underground powerline study granted approval in city council budget
(UI) — A significant portion—57%—of Austin Energy's power lines are already underground. However, the focus of this study is the remaining 5,000 miles of above-ground lines. The analysis aims to identify economically and environmentally viable areas for the transition.
Mandan and MDU partner to bury power lines along North Dakota highway
(UI) — Mandan officials are collaborating with Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU) to enhance North Dakota's highway infrastructure by burying nearby power lines and installing an underground storm sewer.
LUMA's $180 million underground transmission overhaul receives Puerto Rico’s approval
(UI) — LUMA's $180 million project proposal intends to repair and harden important underground transmission system components whose prospective breakdowns might jeopardize the system's dependability and resilience.
NV5 awarded $11 million to support electrical utility distribution
In the Pacific Northwest, NV5 was selected for $9.4 million in utility hardening and grid connectivity projects. NV5 will provide owner’s engineering and utility design services for the underground conversion of approximately 34 miles of power lines.
OFS launches fiber solutions program to install broadband across the country
Manufacturing facilities in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey enable OFS to support the goals of both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build America Buy America Act.
PG&E gains ground on undergrounding 10,000 miles of power lines
(UI) — The largest project in the country to bury electricity lines underground is being carried out by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and it is on target to finish this year. The utility intends to bury 10,000 miles of wires, and work on this project is progressing mile by mile and county by county.
Ohio to pursue $15 million in underground electric system upgrades in Cuyahoga County
The Illuminating Company maintains 11,000 miles of underground wire across the region. This year, nearly 1.5 miles of older, uncoated underground lines in Pepper Pike will be replaced with new power lines coated in a thick shell to make them more durable against elements like dirt, rocks, lightning and water.
Zayo to expand fiber network infrastructure across the nation
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. announced a series of expansions to its independent fiber network infrastructure, including new long-haul dark fiber routes, increased fiber capacity for existing routes, additional 400 Gbps (400G)-enabled routes and new IP points of presence (PoPs).
Broadband Forum, Fiber Broadband Association partner to advance fiber broadband capabilities
With a common focus on developing and educating the broadband industry on best practices, the agreement will combine the Fiber Broadband Association’s strong background and expertise in fiber advocacy, research, education, and member and community resources with Broadband Forum’s technical strengths in best practices, interoperability, certification, and standards.
Recent underground power line explosions in San Francisco raise concerns, safety assurances remain
(UI) — A San Francisco neighborhood has experienced significant problems as a result of an underground explosion and subsequent fire for at least the second time in less than three months.
Comtech Telecommunications wins $30 million contract to enhance US Army tactical communications
(UI) — Comtech Telecommunications Corp. has been awarded a $30 million contract from Fairwinds Technologies LLC to provide Comtech’s next-generation Troposcatter Family of Systems (FOS) in support of U.S. Army tactical communications.
Lead-covered telecommunication cables contaminating popular areas, investigation finds
WSJ tested 130 underwater cable sites for the presence of lead. Of the sampled tests, over 48 had lead contamination “beyond levels determined safe by the EPA.”
PG&E plans to move power lines underground along Highway 89 in California
(UI) — In the upcoming months, the Plumas County power lines on Highway 89 between Moccasin and Indian Falls will be relocated underground by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
James Q. Crowe, fiber optic, telecommunications pioneer dies at 74
Crowe Company announced that James Q. Crowe, a technology and telecommunications visionary who spearheaded the fiber optic telecommunications revolution, died July 2nd in Paradise Valley, Arizona, after a battle with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- Deadline to submit abstracts for Underground Infrastructure Conference's 30th anniversary education program extended to July 19
- Drilling under the LSU campus
- OSHA investigation launched after worker found unconscious in Kansas City, Mo., sewer pipe
- 26th annual directional drilling survey: More fuel on the fire
- Restoring power to Minnesota’s northwest angle
- Vermeer Debuts New Horizontal Directional Drill
- Sewer maintenance: Myth-busting, best-practice training
- Berkeley pushes PG&E to bury power lines to mitigate wildfire risk
- Houston faces hurdles in transitioning to underground power lines amid severe weather concerns
- Calgary declares state of emergency over water pipeline repairs