The Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation e.V. (BREKO) comments on today’s publication of DIN standard 18220 for trenching, milling and plowing methods in fiber optic expansion as follows:

“The entry into force of DIN 18220 for trenching, milling and ploughing methods is an important milestone for even more speed in fiber optic expansion. The new standard helps to overcome existing reservations in the approval authorities of local authorities and is therefore important for the increased use of these installation methods. They can not only speed up fiber optic expansion projects, but also conserve resources compared to traditional open trench construction methods.

In the interests of rapid fiber optic expansion, we expect local authorities to implement the new standard now. We also expect parts of the construction industry to abandon their previous blockade attitude towards these installation methods.

However, despite all the joy about the publication of DIN 18220, it should not be overlooked that, in addition to the trenching, milling and ploughing methods standardized there, there are a number of other laying methods that play an important role in making fibre optic expansion as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. These include trenchless construction methods such as directional drilling, directional pressing and keyhole methods, the use of earth rockets, the vibration pulling method and laying in wastewater or district heating ducts. The standardization of individual methods must not reduce the acceptance of other, likewise tried and tested and technically mature laying methods in the municipal approval authorities. After all, only with a broad mix of different methods that are precisely tailored to local conditions will we be able to achieve rapid, nationwide fiber optic expansion in Germany.”