The installation of fibre broadband involves bringing entirely new infrastructure from the roadside into your home or business, so it's a bit more complicated than connecting to established infrastructure.
Enable uses a range of installation methods depending on your property. We'll try and use the method(s) that will have the least impact, and we'll work with you to agree the method(s) as part of the installation plan process.
Use the buttons below to find out more about each of the installation methods.
We'll reinstate any surface we disturb on a “like for like” basis, for example asphalt where there is asphalt or grass seed where there is grass. We cannot guarantee to match surface finish or colour and our reinstatement is limited to the surface we've disturbed.
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Fence Line or Surface Mounting
Fence Line or Surface Mounting
This is when the fibre cable is attached directly to a suitable above ground surface such as the railing on a fence. If you're a customer, the cable is always mounted on your side of the fence or other surface used. Enable uses a special cable specifically designed to be durable and long-lasting when installed above ground.
Examples of completed work:
Before and after example:
When this method will not be used
Enable will not use a Fence Line method when there are hazards which may damage the path of the duct, or the duct cannot be sufficiently attached - such as wire netting or drywall.
If the fence is not structurally sound, we cannot use this method. This may mean there are missing palings, the fence is rotten or is needing to be replaced soon. Other examples include if the fence line would require a complex path requiring us to navigate through bends or garden features, or there is a significant amount of garden near the fence that cannot be trimmed back.
SLOTCUT
Slot Cutting
This is when a very narrow cut (no more than 15mm wide and 25-35mm deep) is created in a hard surface (such as asphalt or concrete) using a concrete saw. The cut will follow an existing join, where possible. The cable is installed in the cut and covered with a joint filling compound that is easily compacted and becomes firm over time to reinstate the impacted area. Reinstatement is "like for like", so in an asphalt drive we use a polymer-based asphalt product to reinstate a slot cut and in a concrete drive we use an elasticated concrete product to reinstate a slot cut.
Examples of completed work:
Before and after example:
When this method will not be used
Slot cuts will not be suitable when the area is used for vehicle loading - such as a turning bay or heavy vehicle turning area, or when the surface is damaged and cracking, unstable and loose.
It also cannot be used if the surface is too soft, for example gravel or dirt.
TRENCHING
Trenching
This is when we create a trench in the ground (approx. 200-500mm wide) that the fibre cable is installed into. Enable will reinstate any area we’ve disturbed on a like-for like- basis – e.g. a strip of new asphalt on an asphalt driveway, or grass seed where there was grass. The reinstated surface area will be approximately 100 mm wider than the trenched area – in line with best practice for durability.
Examples of completed work:
Before and after examples:
When this method will not be used
Trenching will not be suitable when other services are at risk or are in the same location - such as power, water, gas or drainage. If there are large tree roots the area is unsuitable for trenching, or if the space is too narrow for machinery to fit.
Ground conditions can also prevent trenching, for example when rocks are present.
Capping (external)
Conduit (On external walls and fences)
In rare instances where we must travel up a steep incline, we may use conduit to bring the fibre into the premises. This method is more commonly used in hilly areas where there are retaining walls.
Conduit is used on the external wall of a home to bring fibre to the External Termination Point (ETP). From here, the fibre can enter the home directly or further conduit may be required for roof or second floor access.
Conduit is attached to surfaces using full or half saddles with screws, nails or rivets (galvanized or stainless-steel). Conduit is only supplied in white and cannot be altered.
Examples of completed work: