In many municipalities, the traces of Proximus’ Fiber ready have not yet been erased or Fluvius and Telenet are already coming with their fiber network. Next year they will also start breaking up sidewalks and renewing power cables. And of course, you can expect a lot of noise and traffic disruption. But is all this nuisance really necessary? And can you refuse this? ‘De Morgen’ asked Tom Evens, professor of communication sciences at Ghent University, whether there are other solutions.
According to Evens, the need for fiber optic cables is increasing due to the growing demand for faster and more reliable internet connections. The current copper cables can no longer suffice in providing the necessary speed and capacity. Fiber optic cables, on the other hand, can transmit data at much higher speeds and over longer distances.
However, Evens also acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the installation of fiber optic networks. Breaking up sidewalks and renewing power cables can disrupt daily life and cause inconvenience to residents. He suggests that municipalities and telecommunication companies should work together to minimize the disruption.
One possible solution is to coordinate the installation of fiber optic cables with other infrastructure projects. For example, if a road is already scheduled for renovation, it would be more efficient to install the fiber optic cables at the same time. This would reduce the overall disruption and inconvenience to residents.
Evens also emphasizes the importance of clear communication with residents. Informing them about the necessity of the fiber optic network and the expected duration of the disruption can help manage expectations and reduce frustration. Additionally, offering alternative solutions such as temporary internet connections or compensation for inconvenience can also help alleviate the negative impact on residents.
In conclusion, while the installation of fiber optic networks may cause temporary inconvenience, it is necessary to meet the increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet connections. By coordinating with other infrastructure projects and effectively communicating with residents, the disruption can be minimized.
What measures can be taken to effectively communicate with residents and manage their expectations during the installation of fiber optic networks
In many municipalities, the remnants of Proximus’ Fiber ready project still linger, while Fluvius and Telenet are already gearing up to introduce their own fiber networks. This means more sidewalk demolition and power cable renewals, and of course, the accompanying noise and traffic disturbances. But is all this chaos really unavoidable? Can you simply refuse to deal with it? ‘De Morgen’ sought the expertise of Tom Evens, a professor of communication sciences at Ghent University, to explore alternative solutions.
Evens recognizes the growing need for fiber optic cables driven by the ever-increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet connections. Sadly, the current copper cables fall short in terms of speed and capacity. Fiber optic cables, however, offer a much higher transmission speed and can cover longer distances.
Nevertheless, Evens is not blind to the inconveniences caused by the installation of fiber optic networks. The digging up of sidewalks and power cable renewals can disrupt daily life and prove to be a nuisance for residents. To alleviate this issue, he proposes that municipalities and telecommunications companies collaborate to minimize disruption.
One possible solution is to synchronize the installation of fiber optic cables with other infrastructure projects. For instance, if a road is already slated for renovation, it would be more efficient to simultaneously install the fiber optic cables. This approach would reduce overall disruption and inconvenience for residents.
Effective communication with residents is also crucial, as stressed by Evens. By informing residents about the necessity of the fiber optic network and providing an estimated timeline for the disruption, expectations can be managed and frustration can be minimized. Additional measures such as offering temporary internet connections or compensation for inconvenience can further help mitigate the negative impact on residents.
In conclusion, while the installation of fiber optic networks may cause temporary inconvenience, it is an essential step in meeting the increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet connections. By coordinating with other infrastructure projects and effectively communicating with residents, the disruption can be minimized.
This article provides a refreshing perspective on fiber network installation by suggesting alternative solutions to minimize the nuisance. It highlights the need to explore innovative approaches that are less disruptive, making it an interesting read for those seeking more efficient ways to deploy fiber networks.