As many of you already know we are hoping to pull optic fibre through Arnisdale and later to as much of the Loch Hourn Broadband Cooperative’s network as possible. The first, and most critical part of this operation is to lay fibre ducting through Arnisdale, or more precisely, Camàs Ban. We want to do it with minimum disruption and maximum benefit to all concerned.

The general plan is to bury flexible pipe along the backs of the houses with an occasional junction box from which armoured fibre will run to the individual houses. Here’s how you can help:

Here is a tentative plan. It requires your help to refine it. The ducting itself is probably going to be 50mm or 90mm plastic pipe (Marine Harvest may have some surplus that we can use). The junction boxes will probably be the standard sewer line inspection chambers with a circular lid that will withstand about 3.5 tons. Please consult with your immediate neighbours about where best to locate the pipe and junction boxes. Here are maps of the east and west ends of the village if you need them.

Inspection Chamber
Junction Box

Obviously the pipe should be laid where there is least disruption to gardens etc. In general, the best position appears to be a few metres back from the existing water main. The pipe should, if possible, run in a straight line between the junction boxes. The armoured fibre that will run from the individual houses is very thin: it can be dug in or run along fences to suit. Please consider this in suggesting the position of junction boxes.

Although we will hire a contractor with a small digger to lay the main ducting, we will, as always, be looking for volunteers to help defray the costs.

The wayleave consent form is a modification of one that was created by another rural broadband network [B4RN]. It is refreshingly simple and clear.

You will surely have questions about this. Please ask, and please look at a FAQ at which I will try to post answers to these questions.

Peter Buneman
14 April 2013 [B4RN]:http://b4rn.org.uk/