Fibre network makes lightning-fast progress
APK Group regularly carries out groundwork and home connections for fibre optic networks. This is now a stable activity in which APK Group has the necessary experience.
- A unique work took place on 24 August. APK Drilling carried out a drilling under the Scheldt of no less than 265 metres. This drilling was commissioned by fibre specialist Fibre readyThe project, led by Business Unit Manager (BUM) Joost Van Hemelryck and site manager Krystian Chelminski, was carried out in Wetteren to make the connection from PoP (Point of Presence) Zone 1 to Zone 2. It was a challenge due to the parabolic shape of the bore, the two S-bends and the depth under water of 20 metres. This complex project required synergy between APK Drilling, the fibre department of APK Group and our signalling experts from Verfaillie-Leroy. In the meantime, the network continues to expand and PoP 3 and 4 were also installed at the end of August.
- Another ongoing project on behalf of Fiberklaar is the laying of the fibre network in Geel. As in Wetteren, APK Group is responsible for the earthworks, home surveys and home connections for fibre.
- Finally, we will soon be starting in Mol. We are looking forward to the first spade-stroke of our new fibre optic project together with Fiberklaar on 16 September.
Rik Missault, CEO of Fiberklaar, is positive about the cooperation with APK Group: "APK Group was the first contractor to start a project. This project was also a first of its kind and logically presented some challenges. The proactive and flexible attitude meant that APK Group was always able to solve problems quickly, which means that cooperation has continued to run smoothly to this day." Would you like to know more about the cooperation between APK Group and Fiberklaar? Take a look at here the interview with CEO Rik Missault.
APK Group invests not only in the fibre network of Belgiumbut also in that of Netherlands and Germany. According to Mario Bamps, BUM of the fibre department in Willich (DE), the German fibre department is growing: "Three new employees join our team in Willich. Franziska Baum (Preparation permits Deutsche Glasfaser), Carina Urban (P.A. Deutsche Glasfaser - Inexio) and Orlina Thyssen (P.A. Deutche Glasfaser W2) form a powerful trio. The growth will not stop here. Fiber is growing and so is APK Group."
"I expect to generate an additional €1 million in sales with our fibre division in Germany this year." - Mario Bamps, BUM APK Germany.
APK Germany is carrying out a new project for Deutsche Glasfaser (DGF). The "Umverlegungen" or re-routing of existing cables is a project carried out for a road construction company that could not proceed with their plans to connect to the fibre optic network. The intervention of APK Group will ensure that this company, too, will be able to enjoy super-fast fibre optic internet.
We do not sit still. At APK Group, we are not afraid to critically evaluate and subsequently improve our methods and efficiency on a regular basis.
The House Intro Boxor HIB for short, is a perfect example of this. The installation of the HIB reduces the number of home visits required for a fibre installation from three to two. With this method, the glass that has already been blown is stored in the temporary box until the home connection crew can arrive on site and connect the fibre wires to the Fibre Termination Unit (FTU). This way of working means less inconvenience for the people at home.
Learn more about the operation and installation of fiber? Find out all about it in our Fiber Folder.