Broadband Expansion: Broadband Development in Rural Areas

For high-speed internet in the rural region of the Höxter district
with 22,200 household connections, sewikom took an intelligent approach to meet the demanding requirements of the federal government. With the trenchless installation of ege-com® Microduct Multi protec, sewikom found a fast, cost-efficient and sustainable solution.

The federal government’s goal was to provide all households with a broadband connection of 50 megabits per second by 2018. This goal will probably no longer be achievable, and it is primarily the rural regions that are being left behind. Therefore, it is essential to utilize new and existing technologies such as trenchless installation methods and modern pipe systems to drive expansion forward in an economically efficient and sustainable manner. Economical Solution Broadband expansion in the Höxter district requires high investment due to the rural nature of the region. In order to implement a project of this scale with over 22,200 household connections, the use of federal funding was necessary. Since the allocation of funding depends on factors including the efficiency of resource deployment, the average cost per household connection and sustainability, the use of trenchless installation techniques was an important criterion. This made it possible to counteract cost drivers such as long cable routes with a low number of buildings. Sustainability through trenchless installation For the large proportion of trenchless installation, Dipl.-Ing. Kai-Timo Wilke, Managing Director of sewikom, sought a suitable pipe system for all trenchless installation techniques (plowing, milling and directional drilling) for standard soils as well as for rocky subsoil. With its double jacket, ege-com® Microduct protec offers mechanical protection for the high demands of trenchless installation. The abrasion-resistant outer layer provides additional protection against notches and grooves that can occur during installation using HDD and plowing methods. In addition, point loads caused by stones in the ground are distributed across the pipe. With the concept of trenchless installation of a robust pipe system, sewikom was awarded the contracts for the project. Dipl.-Ing. Kai-Timo Wilke is satisfied: “The product properties and delivery capability convinced me! The targeted high installation rates were achieved as planned.”