Telecom Infrastructure Enhancement

Current Trench Implementations – Challenges, Analysis and Recommendations

April 2019

1443 ،‫ رمضان‬09 ‫© وزارة االتصاالت وتقنية المعلومات‬ 1

Agenda

Introduction
1

2 Approach and Methodology

3 Action Plan

1443 ،‫ رمضان‬09 ‫© وزارة االتصاالت وتقنية المعلومات‬ 2

Introduction
Assessing the multiple Trench Profile challenge and the associated Quality issue.
Challenges
• Multiple trench profiles currently being
implemented by OSP Contractors – in
accordance with operators differing
construction guidelines, methods and
procedures.
• Lack of street works quality have been
identified by MOMRA as well as Operators’
own inspections. Quality of Civil Works and
associated violations are primary cause
Operators’ and MOMRA Acceptance failures.
• Various trench construction practices,
guidelines and standards have resulted in
non-uniform implementations, leading to
inconsistent Quality Control practices.
Objectives / Solution Considerations
• Introduce enhanced methods to implement
civil infrastructure engaging micro trenches
local code specification, standards and best
practices; resulting in longevity, cost saving,
quality and delivery.
• Resolve challenges associated with the Civil
Works in terms of better utilization of the
network elements and more effective design
approach – Benchmark study will be used to
arrive at best-practice solution
• Introduce enhancement on generic
installation practices of defined set of
trenching works related to telecom networks
civil infrastructure.
Agenda

1 Introduction

2 Approach and Methodology

3 Action Plan

1443 ،‫ رمضان‬09 ‫© وزارة االتصاالت وتقنية المعلومات‬ 4

The Approach has been along 4 steps
To recommend a unified solution in accordance with international standards and best practices that
are compatible with Saudi environment.

1 2 3 4

Discover and Evaluate Summarized & Analysis &

Gather Data Benchmarks Communicate Recommend
Collect inputs and Benchmark analysis of Summarize positions, Analysis of all collected
data from internal approaches / policies and discuss with stakeholders inputs – Prepare draft
and external standards from leading and seek feedback on recommendation &
stakeholders. markets and compare. findings. plan the next steps.
Discovery and Data Gathering
Data has been gathered from a number of sources and entities to better understand the current working and
implementation practices.
1

Website Data

Utilities Specifications for

Contractors’ Civil Works including Micro
Data
and Mini Trench (MOMRA)

CITC Data and Procurement and

Guidelines Manufacturers Data

Operators’ Specifications International Standards

and Guidelines and Best Practices
Benchmark analysis of leading markets
Ten countries were selected to benchmark and evaluate
2
Feeder / Distribution (cm) Drop (cm)
Operator / Country
Width Depth Width Depth
Jamaica 5 40 2 15 Observations
Sweden 5 40 5 30-40
• Width and Depth is
Indonesia 15 15 – 40 1-3 7-30 primarily driven by local
conditions.
Poland 12 70 12 70
• 40 cm Depth seems to
Germany 20 40 5 15 be the preferred choice.
• Use of existing
Portugal 20 40 20 40
infrastructure is
New Zeland 5 45 1 10 encouraged to avoid
new trenching.
South Africa 5 60 2 15 • The Width of approx. 8
Australia 1.3 25 1.3 25 cm is average.

India 5 45 5 45
Summary of Key Findings and Analysis
Focusing on improving the quality and speed of implementation
Trenching Trends
and Methods
• MCIT has conducted review on
trenching methods, various
method where used for the
same purpose from different
operators, taking NBB project as
an example obvious different
among the operators are found
• The trend for trenching leads
towards avoiding the cost and
resources related to Milling and
Paving
Unifying the
Guideline
• MCIT PAO program spot light
the different between the
operators, determine the
rationale behind the diversity in
trenching and address the main
gabs.
• PAO will take the best in class
methods, and standards in
order to arrive at a set of
recommendations fit for Saudi
Market
3
Implementation
And QC Enhancements
• Exploring different backfilling
options for the micro trench and
mini trench
• Analysis of different regulation
and standards that’s exists
today (CITC,MOMRA and
Operators) comparing them to
the international standards and
best practices, chose the best
suits KSA environment.
PAO’s Trenching Implementation Guidelines
PAO’ has prepared a detailed Trenching advise note and Recommendation document to address key requirements of
the Trenching profiles through evaluation of international best practices and standards.
3
Document Content Overview

Milling and Paving Analysis

Operators Trenching Profile
and Recommendations

General specifications for MH and HH Installations

Utility Civil Works (MOMRA) Guidelines

Acceptance Process –
MCIT Recommendations
Proposed Enhancements

Guidelines on Backfilling Assessment of International

Process Refences and Standards
Recommendations [1 of 2]
Benchmark analysis has lead to identifying a number of best practice recommendations for considerations
in the Saudi market.
4

MOMRA “General Specifications for utility civil works”, includes Micro Trench, Mini Trench
General specifications for
specification and new backfill material. Enhancement are recommended to MOMRA standard
utility civil works (MOMRA)
in order to make trench construction practical for all parties.

Recommending set of 6 trench profiles to meet all stakeholders requirements. The set has
Recommended trench set of
already been agreed on by MCIT, CITC and Operators. Ref: OSP DRM, NESC-IEEE-C, ANSI/TIA
profiles by MCIT
758B, ITU-T (L48, L49, and L155), TDMM-13th, CDOT, UK-MCS, and KSA Operators’ Guidelines.

Identify and recommending the minimum required separation for conduit systems to be
Clearances and separation installed in a proximity of other underground utilities. Ref: OSP DRM, NESC-IEEE-C2 and ANSI
TIA 758B

General notes on backfilling Recommencing a set of general rules for backfilling process involving differing materials
process (Cement, Bitumen, sand fill) and their application. Ref: OSP DRM, ANSI/TIA 758B, ITU-T L48.
Recommendations [2 of 2]
Benchmark analysis has lead to identifying a number of best practice recommendations for considerations in the
Saudi market.
4

Recommending rules to perform the work with enhanced quality in order to avoid uneven
Milling and paving edges, steps or irregularities along the mini-trench construction. Ref: OSP DRM, NESC-IEEE-C2
and ITU-T L49, UK-MCS.

Manholes/ handholes Recommendations on MH/HH installations, construction and load requirements. Ref: OSP
installations (general) DRM, NESC-IEEE-C2 and ITU-T L49.

Enhanced Site Acceptance Identify the areas that are currently neglected in order to have a comprehensive Acceptance
process process and reduce violations.
Agenda

1 Introduction

2 Approach and Methodology

3 Action Plan

1443 ،‫ رمضان‬09 ‫© وزارة االتصاالت وتقنية المعلومات‬ 12

Proposed Action Plan
Pilot program to be agreed with reference to scope, duration, sites and involved Contractors / Operators.

Apr May June

Activity 03. 10. 17. 08. 15. 22. 29. 05. 12. 19. 26. Status
System Specification

Standards Review

Collect International benchmarks

Challenges Review

Discuss position with stakeholders

Incorporate feedback

Obtain STC GO

Circulate the final requirement

Agree on Pilot Program

07/04/2022
 Fixed broadband Mobile broadband
Requires availability and publication of
standardized census blocks

Thank you

1443 ،‫ رمضان‬09 ‫© وزارة االتصاالت وتقنية المعلومات‬ 14