The tediously named telecoms procurement specialist, Altnets (the company, not the sector), has launched a new system that attempts to address some of the complex engineering and compliance challenges that UK broadband ISPs face when installing in large residential buildings (MDUs / blocks of flats etc.), while also making those deployments more efficient.
The FTTXcellence B2ca MDU system claims to be the “only product of its kind” and one that features B2ca-rated cables, the highest Euroclass compliance rating available for fibre optic data cables. This rating, indicating minimal flame spread and heat release, is said to support ISPs in prioritising safety and “helping prevent risks associated with events like the Grenfell Tower disaster“.
Additionally, the system, which has been developed through industry collaboration to be quick and fully compliant with safety standards, also includes installation fixings, through-wall kits, and a variety of adapters to ensure easier installation and approvals from property owners.
Tackling MDUs can be a slow and expensive business, not least because each building is usually very different from the last one and will often require a bespoke solution. So anything that can be done to resolve that is usually a good thing. At least one FTTP broadband ISP, the London-focused G.Network, has already adopted the new system and have been calling it a fairly priced “game changer for us as an ISP and network provider“.
Leigh Buckwell, Technical Director at Altnets, said:
“Our FTTXcellence B2ca MDU System is revolutionary because it directly addresses the challenges faced by ISPs. We’ve developed a fully compliant, standardised solution that simplifies installation while ensuring ISPs meet stringent safety regulations. This includes CPR compliance as required by the BS6701 and BS7671 standards, which mandate the fire performance of telecommunications cables.
The FTTXcellence B2ca MDU System not only meets minimum safety requirements but surpasses them, making it the most compliant cabling solution in the industry. This ensures easier approval from private or local authority property owners, enhances the success of MDU builds, and improves the return on investment for ISPs.”
The announcement is a little bit heavy on the marketing speak and moves into an area that we don’t usually cover, although it would be interesting to know what other network providers think about this system? We should say that there are a number of fibre systems for tackling MDUs already on the market (e.g. InvisiLight, as used by Hyperoptic, Openreach etc.), although comparing them moves a bit too far outside our comfort zone of familiarity.