Sisu Blowing Limits: Cable Crew Sets New Fiber Milestone

Tell us a bit about Cable Crew.

Cable Crew is a contractor specializing in cabling, fiber-optic, and electricity networks across Southern Finland. We offer reliable, safe, and secure services from design to installation. Founded in 2021, we've experienced tremendous growth since then. While our primary focus is on fiber optics, we also work with electricity and traffic networks.

What’s happening here today? 

Global Connect has hired us to expand and build new infrastructure for a client, connecting three new data centers in the Helsinki area.

Why did you choose Nexans FZOMU-SD Ultimate™ 6x24xSML? 

Materials are chosen by Global Connect and Nexans is a trusted name in Finland, known for its high quality and reliability. We typically work with 192 or 96 fibers, but this project required a middle ground, so 144 fibers was the perfect fit.

Nexans guarantees 3 km of blowing distance, but you went beyond that – especially considering the large duct size. 

It’s definitely unusual to blow in ducts this large. The distance between our manholes was around 2 km, and when the first section went flawlessly, we thought, "Why not go for it?" We connected the ducts at the next manhole and managed to blow the entire distance of 3.8 km without any issues. No lubricant was used. Let’s just say it exceeded our expectations.

Exciting! So, what’s next? 

Nexans’ cable delivered both in terms of material quality and blowing distance. Since we’re planning to blow over 150 km of fiber during Q1 of 2025, we’re aiming for 6 km in one go next time.

6 km? That’s ambitious. 

We’re relying on our sisu and have full confidence that Nexans’ cable will rise to the challenge once again.

Be sure to let us know how it goes – we’re curious! Speaking of rise to the occasion, how would you describe Finland’s fiber infrastructure? 

It’s grown and developed significantly in recent years. By 2027, I predict we’ll have completed the major B2C expansion projects. After that, it will be about aftermarket work and extending the network to Finland's most remote areas.

You get a crystal ball, what do you see? 

The times we are living in has shone a spotlight on our industry. People who never gave much thought to what keeps their digital lives running are now realizing the importance of stable infrastructure. When cables fail, it disrupts everything. This brings a sharper focus on security and maintaining critical infrastructure.

Thank you for letting us observe your work! We’re proud to be part of building a stable fiber infrastructure and grateful to Mikko for the chat.