FTTH

As of April 2009 4.4 million US homes were receiving video, data, and voice services over direct fiber optic connections -with FTTH (Fiber to the Home) passing more than 15 million homes nationwide. The number of fiber to the home subscribers rose by 50% from 2008 to 2009 making the US one of the highest growth countries for FTTH. The US has penetrated 7% of the market, but as of June 2010 South Korea leads the world with almost 55% and Japan with 35% of homes utilizing FTTH.

New FTTH technology is emerging with the bandwidth demand doubling every two years and advances in high definition large screen TV’s and the advent of 3-D TV.  

Blue Diamond has been working with the largest providers of FTTH by supplying the conduit systems needed to house and protect the fiber optic cables carrying these services. Millions of feet of Blue Diamond HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) conduit have been installed so that as these new services roll out, the operators are confident they won’t have to replace the cables for up to 20 years.  In the event that cable repair or a system redesign is necessary,  they have a clear pathway to pull in another cable without the tremendous cost of excavation. Additionally, underground systems are more aesthetically pleasing and less susceptible to damage from storms.  Tree trimming to prevent damage to aerial cable is a major maintenance expense.