Fiber Optic Cable Installations in Gas Mains: Report on a Gas Technology Institute Demonstration Project

摘要

The telecommunications industry is rapidly expanding the installation and use of fiber optic cable systems to provide customers with high speed communications channels. The missing piece that is thwarting the completion of many fiber links to customers is the “last mile” connection. The natural gas industry continues to undergo a transformation with the advent of deregulation and competition. As the result of these changes, gas companies are beginning to recognize that they have a new opportunity to increase revenues as the owners of the gas distribution lines, which can double as the “last mile” access to the very customers the telecommunications industry are seeking. This paper discusses four fiber optics systems, from around the world, that are being installed and operated within live gas mains and services.